Section V Cooperation and transparency

Participants should:

1. (a)

   provide to each other through the Chair information identifying their designated authorities or bodies responsible for implementing the provisions of this Certification Scheme. Each Participant should provide to other Participants through the Chair information, preferably in electronic format, on its relevant laws, regulations, rules, procedures and practices, and update that information as required. This should include a synopsis in English of the essential content of this information;

2. (b)

   compile and make available to all other Participants through the Chair statistical data in line with the principles set out in Annex III;

3. (c)

   exchange on a regular basis experiences and other relevant information, including on self-assessment, in order to arrive at the best practice in given circumstances;

4. (d)

   consider favourably requests from other Participants for assistance to improve the functioning of the Certification Scheme within their territories;

5. (e)

   inform another Participant through the Chair if it considers that the laws, regulations, rules, procedures or practices of that other Participant do not ensure the absence of conflict diamonds in the exports of that other Participant;

6. (f)

   cooperate with other Participants to attempt to resolve problems which may arise from unintentional circumstances and which could lead to non-fulfilment of the minimum requirements for the issuance or acceptance of the Certificates, and inform all other Participants of the essence of the problems encountered and of solutions found;

7. (g)

   encourage, through their relevant authorities, closer cooperation between law enforcement agencies and between customs agencies of Participants.