(IDEX Online) - The World Diamond Council has again cautioned members of the industry to be cautious when purchasing goods from the Central African Republic (CAR).
The call comes following recent media reports about rough diamonds being associated with the ongoing conflict in the country.
There is some legal trade from the country. The Kimberley Process has designated "green" compliant zones that are under secure CAR-government control, and where the KP has determined that diamond production meets Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPSC) minimum requirements. This means ensuring there is no evidence of armed rebel group activity in the area.
Legitimately mined goods carry CAR Kimberley Process (KP) certificates. These goods have been approved for export by the KPs CAR Monitoring Team, which is chaired by the United States and includes representatives of a number of KP's Working Groups and representatives of the WDC and civil society.
The WDC is currently holding its AGM in Antwerp.