(a) The term importing authority means one or more entities designated by a Participant into whose territory a shipment of rough diamonds is being imported as having the authority to enforce the laws and regulations of the Participant regulating imports, including the verification of the Kimberley Process Certificate accompanying the shipment.

(b) The importing authorities for the United States are the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection or, in the case of a territory or possession of the United States with its own customs administration, analogous officials.