London-based Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) launched its 2017 Chain of Custody (CoC) standard on 22 January 2018 after a review started August 2016 involving three rounds of public consultation, input from 150 industry and non-industry stakeholders and contributions through webinars, workshops and meetings.
Launched in 2012, the CoC standard is a voluntary standard for creating a chain of custody for precious metals responsibly produced, processed and traded through jewellery supply chains. On top of these, the 2017 edition includes clarifications and improvements on due diligence, eligibility of CoC material and harmonisation with other standards.
“Revised due diligence requirements have been developed, and the CoC Guidance document has substantial new sections. These changes bring the CoC into alignment with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas for gold and platinum group metals. Important clarifications have been made to the criteria on eligibility of CoC material to make it more practical for today’s supply chains, for example, on how to source eligible e-waste,” said RJC in a statement.
RJC will continue to prioritise efforts to reduce audit duplication. The standard now includes a process for sourcing eligible-mined material from recognised third-party mining standards and schemes. RJC said: “This currently includes the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) ‘Towards Sustainable Mining’ (TSM) programme and the International Council on Mining and Metals’ (ICMM) sustainable development framework.” The promotion of sourcing from responsible artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) remains a hallmark of CoC. The recognition of the Fairmined Gold Standard is complemented by recognition of the Fairtrade Standard for Gold from Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining.
RJC’s director of standards and impacts Anne-Marie Fleury said: “After an insightful research and consultation process, we are immensely pleased to present the new 2017 CoC Standard. By updating the standard, we are further precipitating the growth and reputation of the RJC as we navigate the changes and challenges facing the gold and platinum group metal supply chains. We are deeply grateful to our Standards Committee for their time, expertise and guidance in revising the standard.”
To further explain its standards and certification programme to the trade, RJC will hold a panel discussion on the role of responsible business practice in the future of the jewellery industry on 1 March 2018 in Hong Kong, the first day of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show. The forum is moderated by RJC’s business development director Edward Johnson; panelists include Victor Chan, vice chairman of the Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association (HKJJA), Guido Grohmann, managing director of BV Schmuck + Uhren, and Jonathan Kendall, Forevermark’s senior vice president.
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