Botswana's Concerns over Antwerp Entry Point
January 29, 24
(IDEX Online) - Botswana's diamond industry says it is concerned and frustrated by new requirement that all diamonds are certified in Antwerp before entering G7 countries.
The single entry point is a part of a sanctions package aimed at outlawing Russian diamonds. It was partially introduced on 1 January and will be rolled out in coming months.
Brad Brooks- Rubin, head of the G7 Diamond Technical Expert Team, visited the country ahead of the September deadline for incorporating a traceability solution but was reportedly unable to provide satisfactory answers to questions raised by the industry.
They wanted to know what technical process would be used in Antwerp and who designed it. They are concerned that the new sanctions will cause delays and stifle the free movement of diamonds.
Pic shows diamond polishing in Botswana.