India Officially Bans Rough Diamonds from Venezuela

Following Venezuela’s self-imposed suspension the Kimberley Process last June, India has banned the import of rough diamonds from the South American state.

“The import of rough diamonds from Venezuela shall be prohibited in view of the voluntary separation of Venezuela from the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS),” India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade, a unit within the Ministry of Commerce, said in a release.

A series of reports about rough diamond smuggling out of the country and a lack of government oversight led to increased pressure on Venezuela to take control of the situation or face suspension.

Diplomatic efforts by several KP members, led by the EC, resulted in Venezuela’s Ambassador to India announcing its withdrawal from the system during the Kimberley Process meeting in New Delhi June 18.

The country intends to explain the government's plan to return to the fold to a review team led by the KP Chair.