In recent years the vast majority of Venezuela's diamond production has been smuggled out of the country rather than being exported through legitimate KP channels.

After much pressure from civil society and continued evidence of serious non-compliance (for example, the Venezuelan authorities ceased issuing KP certificates, and internal controls in the diamond mining areas remain inadequate), Venezuela voluntarily "separated" from the KP in 2008.

The government stated that it would neither export nor import rough diamonds until it had established credible internal controls.

To date Venezuela reports zero exports despite overwhelming evidence that diamond mining continues, with diamond licences still being issued by authorities, and the entire national production smuggled across the border into neighbouring KP participant countries.

Venezuela's self-suspension is due to end in 2010 but any return to a normal KP status will be contingent upon an official review team finding that the country is meeting the scheme's minimum requirements.