Explanatory note

These Regulations are made in exercise of the powers in section 8 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c. 16) in order to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies (under paragraphs (a), (b), (d), and (g) of section 8(2)) arising from the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.

These Regulations make amendments to legislation in respect of the Kimberley Process certification scheme, which relates to the import and export of rough diamonds and measures to minimise the trade of rough diamonds from conflict zones. In particular, these Regulations amend legislation relating to fees required for the provision of certificates under the Kimberley Process certification scheme, and the regulatory framework and powers intended to ensure that rough diamonds are not imported to or exported from the United Kingdom unless they are properly certificated under the Kimberley Process certification scheme. Part 2 amends subordinate legislation and Part 3 amends retained direct EU legislation.

These Regulations make provision for the Secretary of State to amend further the retained EU law relating to the Kimberley Process certification scheme by statutory instrument, where the Secretary of State considers that law is no longer effective to ensure that the law of the United Kingdom is consistent with the international Kimberley Process requirements.

These Regulations make provision for the Secretary of State to publish information, and this will be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export-diamonds-special-rules .

An impact assessment has not been prepared for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.