Working Groups
Working Group of Diamond Experts (WGDE)
The Working Group of Diamond Experts (WGDE), also referred to as the technical working group, solves technical problems in the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
Examples of the type of work it does are: proposing changes to the ‘Harmonised System Codes' for rough diamonds to the World Customs Organisation; the classification of diamond powder; harmonisation of valuation methodologies; and the international transfer of diamond samples from exploration projects.
In specific situations, such as Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and others, the technical working group also delivers background technical information to other Kimberley Process bodies or international organisations.
Composition
| Chair | World Diamond Council |
|---|---|
| Vice-Chair | South Africa |
| Members | Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, the People's Republic of China, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), European Union (EU), Ghana, India, Israel, Lesotho, Liberia, Namibia, the Russian Federation, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, the Civil Society Coalition, World Diamond Council |
| Provisional | Armenia, Qatar, ADPA |
History
| 2019 | The Civil Society joined the WGDE |
| 2018 | Lesotho was accepted as full member of the WGDE after one year as provisional member |
| 2016 | Tanzania was accepted as full member of the WGDE after one year as provisional member |
| 2013 | Ukraine joined |
| 2012 | Brazil and Zimbabwe joined |
| 2011 | Ghana and Namibia joined |
| 2009 | the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) joined |
| 2007 | Liberia, Sierra Leone, the United Arab Emirates, and the the United States of America joined |
| 2003 | India and the People's Republic of China joined |