RAPAPORT... The United States Kimberley Process Authority (USKPA) launched its new website: www.uskpa.org.  The website includes information on how to become a USKPA licensee authorized to use U.S. Kimberley Process (KP) Certificates to export rough diamonds from the country. The site will also enable current licensees to manage their KP Certificates in an efficient manner to ensure compliance with the appropriate U.S. legislation and regulations.

USKPA licensees and government agencies will directly benefit from the website through quicker information processing, more efficient recordkeeping and a reduction in paperwork. The website will facilitate U.S. KP licensing, the issuance of U.S. KP Certificates and recordkeeping conducted to ensure U.S. government compliance.

The USKPA site was created with the support and assistance of Gemological Science International (GSI). According to Mark Gershburg, a member of the USKPA's board and the chief executive officer (CEO) at GSI, “We believe that this website is the first of its kind in the world and may serve as a model of trade and government cooperation in the fight to eradicate conflict diamonds.” 

Dr. Martin Hochbaum, the managing director of the New York Diamond Dealers Club (DDC), and Cecilia Gardner, the president of the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), also serve on the USKPA's board of directors.

USKPA is a not-for-profit trade association formed for the purpose of administering and controlling the use of U.S. KP Certificates for the exportation of rough diamonds. The USKPA is authorized by the government to provide U.S. KP Certificates to licensed entities exporting rough diamonds.  

LH