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Following the formal decision of the European Commission, the Belgian federal government has received official authorization for the introduction of the 'Carat Tax'. This means that the yearly recurring fiscal control difficulties with which many diamantaires have been confronted in the past will come to an end.
The Antwerp World Diamond Centre’s “Diamond Pavilion” at the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair today was the scene for the world premieres of two new initiatives: AWDC’s “Diamonds & Antwerp, It’s in our DNA” campaign, and HRD Antwerp’s new certificate.
On Saturday 10 September, the sixth edition of the ‘Drakenbootfestival’ (Dragon Boat Festival) took place in Antwerp. This is one of the largest summer happenings in the city. Antwerp World Diamond Centre sponsored the Special Olympics Belgian Team. It was a great day!
The Kimberley Process Chair, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, has announced the second in a series of three, one-day ‘Special Forums’, on rough diamond valuation, to be held on 30 September 2016 at the Hylitt Hotel, Antwerp, Belgium. In association with the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), the Special Forum will focus on valuation practices employed by the global diamond industry. The format will take the shape of an ‘Expert Workshop’, an open dialogue that will examine other methods being used that will eventually develop a more formalized approach to rough diamond valuation. This second session will focus on the industry - representatives from mining companies, auction and tender experts, professional diamond valuators and polished price index specialists - the conclusions from which will be addressed in the third session in Dubai where the relevant governments will take center stage. The three pillars of the KP are also invited - Government, Industry and Civil Society.
GREEN LIGHT FOR CARAT TAX
INFO SESSION ON FRIDAY AUGUST 5 AND FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2
Following the formal decision of the European Commission, the Federal Government has received official authorization for the introduction of the ‘Carat Tax’. This means that the yearly recurring fiscal control difficulties with which many diamantaires have been confronted in the past will come to an end.
For the past three days a delegation of leading jewelers and diamond traders from the United States have been getting acquainted with their counterparts in Antwerp, enjoying a behind-the-scenes look at the diamond capital and doing business at high-level networking events. This visit took place in the framework of a new initiative by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, "Antwerp Diamond Experience", intended to bring groups of jewelers, wholesalers and manufacturers from major and upcoming diamond markets into direct contact with Antwerp diamantaires and give them inside access to the world's leading diamond trade center.
From January to June, 111.1 million carats of rough and polished diamonds were traded on the Antwerp diamond market, as compared to 102.8 million carats in the first half of 2015. The trade figures for polished diamonds remained stable but were lower than last year. The rough trade increased as compared to 2015. During the first six months this year, a total of 6.2 million carats of polished diamonds, valued at more than 13 billion dollars, were traded in Antwerp. The rough trade from January to June was good more 104.9 million carats worth 13.2 billion dollars.
Every registered diamond trader is subject to anti-money laundering (AML) legislation and must be completely up-to-date with the latest AML obligations. To comply, register now for an anti-money laundering seminar at AWDC and get a complete update and all the ‘do’s & don’ts’ regarding ant-money laundering legislation. In addition, you will receive an attendance certificate that can be presented to the FPS Economy in case of a control and also to your bank.
