United Kingdom Added to Rough Diamonds List

Summary#

This Order amends the schedule to the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act to add the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Canada’s list of countries allowed to trade in rough diamonds under the Kimberley Process rules. The UK’s admission to the Kimberley Process was effective January 1, 2021, and the Order was registered on February 16, 2021, which is when it came into force.

What it does#

• Adds the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the list (the schedule) in the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act so Canada’s list matches the international Kimberley Process participants.
• Brings Canada’s list into line with the Kimberley Process, which as of January 1, 2021 included 57 participants representing 83 countries/territories, including the European Union with its 27 member states.
• The Order came into force on the day it was registered: February 16, 2021.
• The amendment is described as administrative; it does not change policy or introduce new regulatory requirements.

Who's affected#

• Canadian diamond miners, exporters and importers who trade rough diamonds internationally.
• Businesses and traders that buy, sell or ship rough diamonds across borders.
• Enforcement and oversight bodies such as the Canada Border Services Agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which enforce the Act.
• Participants and officials involved with the Kimberley Process (KP) and the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).
• If it is unclear who else might be affected, the change is mainly administrative and targets those involved in international rough-diamond trade.

Why it matters#

• It keeps Canada compliant with the international Kimberley Process, so Canadian diamond businesses can continue to export and import rough diamonds with other participants.
• Staying aligned with the Kimberley Process helps avoid trade disruptions that could harm jobs and revenues in Canada’s diamond sector.
• The change is routine and administrative: it updates Canada’s list to match the international membership rather than changing how trade is regulated.