18/11/2016 (Agence Europe) – The European Union will become the deputy-chair of the Kimberley Process in 2017 and the chair in 2018, according to an announcement made the European Commission on Friday 18 November. This international system for certifying rough diamonds was launched in 2002 by a coalition of governments, organisations, civil society and industry representatives. It requires participating states to control all imports and exports of these precious stones and only legally trade with other participating states that have also met the minimum requirements of the scheme. International shipments of rough diamonds must be accompanied by a certificate guaranteeing that they are conflict-free. (MB)