Standards Development & Harmonisation
Code of Practices 2019 Update
Public consultation is now closed.
Due to timings of the update, the RJC has decided to roll the update of the COP into a full revision. This would fall within the ISEAL requirements to review the standards in full every 5 years. The comments and input received as part of the COP update will inform the draft standard for the review.
About
In 2021, RJC started the process of updating the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) Code of Practices (COP) 2019 standard. The update addresses points of mining, precious metals, coloured gemstones, and laboratories. RJC is exploring expanding the coloured gemstone material scope.
To find out more information on specific suggested amendments please refer to the draft COP.
The first public consultation ran for 60 days from 8 October 2021 to 10 December 2021, and the second round ran from 28 February 2022 to 29 April 2022. Thank you to everyone for their comments and participation in this consultation.
This update of the COP is being conducted as per the ISEAL standard setting code and procedures.
Scope
The COP standard is mandatory for all RJC members who handle diamonds, coloured gemstones, gold, silver and platinum group metals (PGM). The standard and the standard setting process is publicly available to provide guidance to interested parties who are non-RJC members.
The RJC standard is applicable to all industry members spanning the global jewellery and watch supply chain from small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to large companies.
The scope of the standards development are directed by the RJCs Theory of Change (ToC), also known as the Roadmap to 2030. The ToC defines what RJC as an organisation aspires to achieve with its members by 2030 through the implementation of the 2019 Code of Practices.
Timeline
In line with ISEAL standard setting code, both rounds of consultation will take 60 days.
Round 1 (closed)
• Opens: Friday 8th October 2021
• Closes: Friday 10th December 2021
Round 2 (closed)
• Opens: Monday 28th February 2022
• Closes: Friday 29th April 2022
FAQs
No, a full revision will be conducted by 2024. This time frame is in line with ISEALs standard setting code, we revise the full COP every 5 years.
We successfully tested the 2019 COP with rubies, emeralds and sapphires. It was always our intention to review this by 2021 and receive stakeholder input as to determine the apropriate approach for an expansion. Based on the consultation feedback, RJC will establish a separate workstream in the future on this potential expansion.
As per ISEAL standard setting procedures, this update will go through two rounds of public consultation, each 60 days in duration. A third round of 30 day consultation will take place if specific substantive, unresolved issues persist, or where insufficient feedback was received.
For any questions please reach out to: consultation@responsiblejewellery.com
