The announcement follows widespread disapproval of the EU’s plan to make Antwerp a single inspection point. Under this structure, all diamonds would undergo verification in Belgium before entering G7 markets.
Leaders of African mining countries have criticised the plan due to its impact on the supply chain. Other industry associations have expressed their disapproval over this structure's impact on trade efficiency.
In a statement released on Friday, the AWDC said it was pursuing a workable system for all associated parties.
“We believe this is a necessary step in the further development towards a control system that meets the interest of all stakeholders involved, in particular those of African producing countries,” the statement reads.
“The conversations are progressing constructively, and we all are working towards an effective and efficient control system with a focus on sanctioned goods.”
The statement suggests an improved system would include verification points outside the G7. The AWDC would also like to see the implementation of a ‘fully-fledged’ traceability system.
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