Rough diamonds
- Document symbol
- G/LIC/N/3/BWA/1
- Original language
- English
- Published on
- 06/07/2021
Outline of Systems
Q1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to each, reply to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with respect to a given system in sequence together, and using cross references as appropriate when elements which have already been described are also present in another system.
In terms of importing diamonds into Botswana there is no Import license required. However, in order to trade in rough/uncut Diamonds a company has to have a Precious Stones Dealers License. This License allows the holder to buy, sell, import and export rough Diamonds and it is valid for a period not exceeding five years. All these are guided by the Precious and Semi-Precious Stones (Protection) Act, Chapter 66:03.
Botswana is a participating member of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), the association of governments of diamond-producing and importing countries, commercial diamond firms, pan-industry associations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The information is published in a number of publications including the Botswana Trade Portal website, and Government portals and various flyers. The information published is in terms of regulations for trading in rough or uncut diamonds.
Purposes and Coverage of Licensing
Q2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately grouped, are covered.
Rough or uncut diamonds.
Q3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?
All imports of rough or uncut diamonds from participants of the Kimberley Process Scheme (KPCS).
Q4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, what are its purposes? Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been considered and if so which? Why have they not been adopted?
The KPCS has implemented a certification system for the international trade in rough diamonds, designed to prevent "blood" or "conflict" diamonds from being shipped through legitimate trading channels.
Q5. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under which the licensing is maintained. Is the licensing statutorily required? Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subjected to licensing to administrative discretion? Is it possible for the government (or the executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Kimberley Process Scheme (KPCS); Precious and Semi-Precious Stones (Protection) Act, Chapter 66:03; Export and import of rough diamonds regulations, 2004 (chapter 66:03).
Procedures
Q6. For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports (whether applicable globally or to a limited number of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally):
Q6.I. Is information published, and where, concerning allocation of quotas and formalities of filing applications for licences? If not, how is it brought to the attention of possible importers? Of governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries and their trade representatives? Is the overall amount published? The amount allocated to goods from each country? The maximum amount allocated to each importer? How to request any exceptions or derogations from the licensing requirement?
Q6.II. How is the size of the quotas determined: on a yearly, six-monthly or quarterly basis? Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but licences are issued for imports on a six-monthly or quarterly basis? In the latter case, is it necessary for importers to apply for fresh licence on a six-monthly or quarterly basis?
Q6.III. Are licences allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers of like goods? What steps are taken to ensure that licences allocated are actually used for imports? Are unused allocations added to quotas for a succeeding period? Are the names of importers to whom licences have been allocated made known to governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries upon request? If not, for what reason? (Indicate products to which replies relate.)
Q6.IV. From the time of announcing the opening of quotas, as indicated in I above, what is the period of time allowed for the submission of applications for licences?
Q6.V. What are the minimum and maximum lengths of time for processing applications?
Q6.VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licences and the date of opening of the period of importation?
Q6.VII. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?
Q6.VIII. If the demand for licences cannot be fully satisfied, on what basis is the allocation to applicants made? First come, first served? Past performance? Is there a maximum amount to be allocated per applicant and, if so, on what basis is it determined? What provision is made for new importers? Are applications examined simultaneously or on receipt?
Q6.IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint arrangements where export permits are issued by exporting countries, are import licences also required? If so, are licences issued automatically?
Q6.X. In cases where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is the importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting countries to the understanding between the two countries?
Q6.XI. Are there products for which licences are issued on condition that goods should be exported and not sold in the domestic market?
Q7. Where there is no quantitative limit on importation of a product or on imports from a particular country:
Q7.a. How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made? Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence (for example, owing to inadvertency)?
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
An import notification is sent prior to the arrival of the shipment. This is mandatory practice and a shipment can be kept on hold if no notification is received.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
N/A.
Q7.b. Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
Q7.c. Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence and/or importation may be made? If so, explain.
Q7.d. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ? Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval? If so, which? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative organ?
The goods are cleared by BURS at the airport and brought to the Diamond Hub by the client for inspection.
Q8. Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria? Are the reasons for any refusal given to the applicant? Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence and, if so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Compliant goods are released to the client and non-compliant goods are confiscated.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
A person aggrieved by any decision of the Minister under these regulations may appeal to the President against that decision.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
A person aggrieved by any decision of the Minister under these regulations may appeal to the President against that decision.
Eligibility of Importers to Apply for Licence
Q9. Are all persons, firms and institutions eligible to apply for licences: (If not, is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation? What persons or firms are eligible? Is there a registration fee? Is there a published list of authorized importers?) a) under restrictive licensing systems? b) under non-restrictive systems?
All firms and institutions are eligible to import Rough Diamonds unless they do not meet the requirements. No person shall import any rough diamonds unless such rough diamonds are accompanied by a Kimberly process certificate issued in the State of export.
Documentational and Other Requirements for Application for Licence
Q10. What information is required in applications? Submit a sample form. What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Q11. What documents are required upon actual importation?
All rough diamond shipments have to be accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate which is issued by the exporting country's KP authority.
Q12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge? If so, what is the amount of the fee or charge?
Q13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences? If so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of retention and the purpose of the requirement.
Conditions of Licensing
Q14. What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity of a licence be extended? How?
A Kimberley process certificate issued in terms of regulation 4 (2) shall be valid for one month and shall not be renewable or transferable.