The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is the international framework that certifies rough diamond shipments as conflict-free — meaning they haven't been used to finance armed conflict against legitimate governments. For wholesale buyers, understanding what it does and doesn't cover is essential to sourcing compliantly.
What it actually certifies
Kimberley Process certificates apply specifically to shipments of rough diamonds crossing international borders. India, as both a major importer of rough and the world's largest cutting and export center, is a full Kimberley Process participant, and rough entering Surat's manufacturing base for cutting is required to carry valid certification at that stage of the supply chain.
What it doesn't cover
Once a diamond is cut and polished, it's no longer subject to Kimberley Process certification directly — the scheme applies to rough, not polished, goods. This is a common point of confusion for buyers: a polished stone doesn't travel with its own Kimberley certificate, but a legitimate manufacturer should be able to speak to the compliant sourcing of the rough that produced it, as part of general supply chain transparency.
What responsible buyers actually check
For buyers sourcing polished goods, the practical due diligence is less about a specific document and more about manufacturer transparency: working with established, export-registered manufacturers who can speak credibly to their rough sourcing, and avoiding informal or undocumented supply chains regardless of price advantage. See our guide on verifying manufacturer legitimacy for the fuller due-diligence process.
Why Surat's structure supports compliance
Surat Diamond Bourse's integrated customs house was built specifically to formalize export documentation for the city's manufacturing base, which gives international buyers a more traceable, better-documented transaction than sourcing through informal channels. A hosted VisitSDB visit connects you specifically with manufacturers who maintain proper export compliance.
This overview is general guidance, not legal advice — buyers should confirm specific compliance requirements for their own market. Get in touch to discuss a sourcing visit.