India has assumed the Chair of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for the period 1/1/2008 to 31/12/2008.
India as KP Chair will continue to build on the traditions and conventions of the previous KP Chairs and ensure effective implementation of the KPCS, thereby ensuring growth of legitimate diamond trade and protection of livelihoods of millions of people across the globe.
Moreover, India will extend all possible assistance to participants to build effective internal controls and work in close cooperation with UN, KP participants, industry and civil society in order to continue the remarkable progress achieved by this scheme in the past few years.
India will be sixth in succession to hold the Chair after South Africa, Canada, Russian Federation, Botswana and European Commission.
India is one of the founding members of KPCS. In November 2006, India was unanimously selected to hold the Vice Chair of the KPCS for 2007. Namibia has been selected as the Vice Chair for 2008.
The KPCS requires each participant to impose internal controls over production and trade of rough diamonds. Trading in rough diamonds with a non-participant is not allowed. All exports of rough diamonds have to be accompanied by a valid KP Certificate stating that diamonds are conflict free.
KPCS currently has 48 member states including the European Community representing 27 member states. Thus, it has a membership of 74 countries.
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