Inclusion of Greenland in implementing the Kimberley Process certification scheme

PURPOSE: to amend Council Regulation (EC) No 2368/2002 as regards the inclusion of Greenland in implementing the Kimberley Process certification scheme.

LEGISLATIVE ACT: Regulation (EU) N° 257/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2368/2002 as regards the inclusion of Greenland in implementing the Kimberley Process certification scheme.

CONTENT: Council Regulation (EC) No 2368/2002 sets up a Community System of certification and import and export controls for rough diamonds for the purposes of implementing the Kimberley Process certification scheme.

Greenland is not part of the Union territory but it is included in the list of overseas countries and territories set out in Annex II to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

Council Decision 2014/136/EU sets out the rules and procedures enabling Greenland’s participation in the Kimberley Process certification scheme on rough diamonds through its cooperation with the Union. Such cooperation would strengthen economic relations between the Union and Greenland in the diamond industry, and in particular it would enable Greenland to export rough diamonds accompanied by the EU Certificate issued for the purposes of the certification scheme, with a view to promoting the economic development of Greenland.

This Regulation amends Regulation (EC) No 2368/2002 in order to enable Decision 2014/136/EU to enter into force and in particular to provide for the inclusion of Greenland in the certification scheme.

Certification conditions: Greenland will be prohibited from accepting imports or exports of rough diamonds to or from a participant other than the Union without a valid certificate. The amendments contained in this Regulation will allow for the export of rough diamonds from Greenland to third countries as long as they are accompanied by the EU Certificate.

Other provisions: the amended Regulation

·         sets out the modalities of submitting rough diamonds to Union authorities for verification;

·         extends the special rules for transit to Greenland;

·         enables Greenland's participation in the Committee for the implementation of the Regulation, and

·         enables Greenland's representation in the Kimberley Process and cooperation with other Member States through the Commission.

The Regulation is closely linked to the Council Decision setting out specific rules for the circulation of rough diamonds between the Union and Greenland.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 09.04.2014.