Prohibiting the Importation of Rough Diamonds From Sierra Leone

This executive order bans the importation of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone into the United States, effective January 19, 2001, to prevent the Revolutionary United Front from using illicit diamond trade to fund its civil war activities. The prohibition includes an exception for diamonds certified through Sierra Leone's official Certificate of Origin regime, and authorizes the Treasury Secretary to issue implementing regulations.

Federal Register Open PDF 66 FR 7389

Impact dates

Jan 19, 2001
Import prohibition takes effect

Key directives

Prohibit direct or indirect importation of all rough diamonds from Sierra Leone effective January 19, 2001
Exempt rough diamonds controlled through Sierra Leone's Certificate of Origin regime
Prohibit evasion or attempted violation of import ban by U.S. persons or within the U.S.
Authorize Secretary of Treasury to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the order
Direct all U.S. government agencies to take appropriate measures to carry out the order

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Import ban takes effect January 19, 2001
U.S. Customs Service begins enforcing prohibition and certificate verification

Near term (90d)

Treasury Secretary may promulgate rules and regulations to implement the order
Agencies directed to take appropriate measures to carry out provisions

Long term

Ongoing enforcement of diamond import restrictions tied to UN Security Council Resolution 1306
Potential evolution of certification regimes for conflict minerals

Risks & tensions

Balance between cutting RUF funding and preserving legitimate diamond trade may create enforcement complexity
Certificate of Origin regime's effectiveness depends on Sierra Leone government capacity—uncertain given ongoing civil war
Definition of 'controlled through' leaves discretion to U.S. Customs Service, creating potential inconsistency
No explicit sunset or review mechanism tied to UN resolution duration