Antwerp Turmoil: De Beers and AWDC Challenge Belgian PM
March 20, 24
(IDEX Online) - Belgium's prime minister is facing pressure from De Beers and AWDC to reconsider using Antwerp as the sole entry point for diamonds into G7 countries.
In an open letter both organizations pledge support for the sanctions on Russian goods.
But they urge Alexander De Croo (pictured) to address the severe disruption currently being caused to Antwerp's diamond traders by new requirements to declare diamonds' origins.
They were introduced on 1 March, with Antwerp as the single node for certification.
But shipments are reportedly taking a week a more to get Customs clearance at Antwerp's Diamond Office because of new paperwork requirements.
"We are reaching out to kindly request your assistance in addressing these issues," say Al Cook, De Beers CEO, and Isi Morsel, chairman of AWDC (Antwerp World Diamond Centre) in a joint letter.
"Specifically, we appeal to you to reconsider any intentions of mandating that all diamonds bound for the G7 must pass through Antwerp.
"We would like to offer to work with your government to strengthen provenance certification, to underpin diamond supply to Antwerp and to support your leadership in delivering the G7 objectives."