Southern Africa: Botswana Objects to G7-EU Diamond-Tracking System


Gaborone, Botswana — African diamond producers, led by Botswana, are demanding a review of the tracking and verification system that European Union and G7 nations introduced March 1.

Under the arrangement, diamonds entering EU and G7 countries – which represent 70% of the global diamond market – have to be sent to Antwerp, Belgium, for certification, in an effort to prevent the importation of sanctioned Russian diamonds.

The traceability initiative has resulted in clearance delays and disruption to the supply chain. African diamond producers argue that has resulted in added costs.

But Belgium and the EU say steps are being taken to minimize delays.

A Belgian official told VOA the turnaround time for the certifications has improved, with all shipments processed within 24 hours.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said delays resulted from importers not providing the necessary documentary evidence. He said African countries were bearing no increase in production costs, because expenses were borne by the mining companies.

“From the onset, we have taken the concerns raised by African diamond producers about the introduction of G7-EU sanctions against Russian diamonds seriously,” the official said. “This is the reason why we have taken those concerns into account from the very beginning of our discussions and have tried to fully address them.

“Belgian authorities have also reached out to a number of African producers between September 2023 and February 2024 to listen, explain and adjust the ongoing work on the implementation of sanctions against diamonds from the Russian Federation.”