The Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) has issued a statement calling for the establishment of additional rough diamond verification centres in other countries outside the European Union to implement the G7 traceability system more efficiently and to protect the interests of the diamond industry.
“We absolutely believe that we must work towards a solid verification system, underpinned by traceability, that is workable for all parties involved,” it says.
“However, as an industry organization, representing and defending the interests of the diamond industry, we also feel we must ensure that the trade of non-sanctioned goods is not disrupted.”
AWDC is acting as industry representative and expert in talks with G7 and EU on further implementation of traceability measures, and as such, it is pro-actively advocating the implementation of one or more additional rough verification points outside the G7. According to AWDC, the conversations are progressing constructively.
“We believe this is a necessary step in the further development towards a control system that meets the interest of all stakeholders involved, in particular those of African producing countries,” the statement continues.
Meanwhile, the organization wants to ensure a smooth transition to a fully-fledged traceability system to be enacted in late 2024 by enabling the industry to adapt to the new reality without getting overwhelmed by an abrupt change.
“We are confident that we are supported by political stakeholders in this vision, as we are all working towards a common objective of optimal collaboration, transparency and efficiency,” AWDC concludes.
Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief, Rough&Polished
