Uzbekistan has achieved participant status in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, aimed at combating the sale of illegally mined diamonds. This was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade.
A delegation from the ministry, along with representatives from the Assay Inspection under the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the “Uzbekzargarsanoati” association, took part in the 21st plenary meeting of the Kimberley Process, which took place in Dubai from November 12 to 15.
During the meeting, Uzbekistan's application to join the Kimberley Process was reviewed and approved. Experts from the World Diamond Council and participant countries, who visited the republic in October, "highly praised" the fulfillment of the minimum requirements of the process.
As noted by the Ministry of Investments and Foreign Trade, joining the scheme will help support local jewelry manufacturers and protect their rights in the global market. It is expected to facilitate the exchange of foreign experience, attract investments, and introduce modern technologies.
As of November 1, the sale of imported jewelry in Uzbekistan without documents proving the payment of customs duties is prohibited (except for goods cleared before September 1). This ban is stipulated in the presidential decree issued in July regarding the development of the jewelry industry.
At the same time, customs duties on imported jewelry have been reduced to 10% until the end of 2026. Additionally, individuals are allowed to export items containing up to 200 grams of silver or 65 grams of gold without declaration.
Earlier, Spot reported that Uzbekistan joined the agreement on simplifying paperless trade in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) covers 85 countries, accounting for 99.8% of the world's production of uncut diamonds. The initiative aims to prevent the use of diamond mining revenues to finance regional conflicts and terrorist groups.
Currently, members of the scheme include the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, all EU countries, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Japan, Indonesia, and other countries.