Export rough diamonds: special rules
You need a certificate to export rough diamonds.
You can export jewels, gold and precious metals without a licence or certificate, except for uncut (rough) diamonds.
There’s a ban on exporting precious and semi precious stones, gold and silver items and other luxury goods to North Korea or Syria.
Some countries may have import rules for certain goods. You can check by talking to your importer or getting help researching your export market.
Read guidance on restrictions on importing Russian rough diamonds to and from the UK.
1. Rough diamonds
You can only import and export rough diamonds to and from countries in the Kimberley Process (KP) Certification Scheme or your goods may be seized. The KP regulates the international trade in rough diamonds.
You must get a KP certificate to export each rough diamond shipment outside the UK.
2. Trading internationally in rough diamonds from 1 January 2021
From 1 January 2021, the UK is an independent participant of the KP. If you import or export rough diamonds, find out how the change will affect you.
2.1 Importing and exporting rough diamonds between Great Britain and the EU
All rough diamond exports from Great Britain to the EU require UK KP certification. If you plan to export rough diamonds from Great Britain to EU countries, you must apply to the Government Diamond Office for a UK KP certificate using the contact details on this page.
All rough diamond imports from the EU to Great Britain need an EU-issued KP certificate. If you plan to import rough diamonds from EU countries to Great Britain, the EU exporter will need to obtain an EU-issued KP certificate from the relevant EU KP authority.
For further information about trading rough diamonds with the EU, see the latest version of the Border Operating Model (BOM). The BOM explains how the border with the EU will work, and includes useful information about customs and other new arrangements.
Under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the EU Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Regulation will continue to apply in Northern Ireland. This means that:
2.2 Moving rough diamonds between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
You will need a KP certificate if you plan to:
- move rough diamonds from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
- move rough diamonds from Northern Ireland to Great Britain
See guidance on customs procedures that need to be completed when you move rough diamonds between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
If you are planning to import or export rough diamonds from or to Northern Ireland, you should contact the Government Diamond Office for more information.
2.3 Importing and exporting rough diamonds between Northern Ireland and other Kimberley Process participants (except the EU)
If you plan to export rough diamonds from Northern Ireland to another Kimberley Process participant, except the EU, you will need a KP certificate.
If you plan to import rough diamonds into Northern Ireland from another Kimberley Process participant, except the EU, the exporter will need to obtain a KP certificate.
2.4 Moving rough diamonds between Northern Ireland and the EU
You do not need KP certification to move rough diamonds between Northern Ireland and the EU.
3. Contact the Government Diamond Office (GDO)
To enquire about a Kimberley Process Certificate, contact the GDO by email: [email protected].
4. Privacy notice
The Government Diamond Office privacy notice describes how the GDO manages the personal data that it receives for rough diamond trade related activities. It explains how the GDO will use your personal data, and what your rights are in relation to our use of your personal data.
Updates to this page
Published 7 November 2016Last updated 31 December 2020 + show all updates
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Updated to explain new rules as the UK becomes an independent participant in the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme.
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Updated Government Diamond Office opening hours: 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
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Kimberly Process certification service no longer available due to COVID-19 restrictions
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Fast-track service no longer available due to COVID-19 restrictions; 'Applying for a Kimberly Process certificate' document updated
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'Conflict Diamonds and the Kimberley Process: general background and guidance' document updated
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Added link to Brexit guidance.
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Privacy notice, guidance on the Kimberley Process and on applying for a certificate added.
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First published.