Data exchange between Belgium & China on rough diamond trade now fully automated

On Wednesday, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme entered a new phase thanks to the automated and secure data exchange between Belgium and China.

With 84% of all rough diamonds passing through Antwerp, Belgium is the world leader in the diamond trade. Each year, Diamond Office, an Antwerp-based customs office responsible for all import and export formalities, staffed by FPS Economy experts, customs officers and Antwerp World Diamond Centre experts, controls about 72 tons of diamonds. The information and data contained on the KP certificates, such as the country of origin, the weight and value of the diamonds, are then exchanged with all trade partners involved. Until now, Belgium and China exchanged all information and data concerning the KP certificate via e-mail.

“A cumbersome and time-consuming way of communicating,” says Deputy Prime Minister Peeters. "Thanks to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Belgium and China’s KP authorities, the exchange of information is now fully automated and secure. The automated procedure allows for a faster and more accurate information exchange, which makes it easier to detect and identify any discrepancies or problems at an early stage.” Belgium reached a similar agreement with India in the past.