RJC Member Certification • COP • Responsible Jewellery Council

code of practices standard (cop)

The COP provides a common standard for ethical, social, human rights and environmental practices

goals

The COP defines the requirements for establishing responsible business practices throughout the jewellery supply chain, from mine to retail

The COP is made up of 42 provisions that are specifically designed for companies to fulfil
six broad objectives:

To improve legal and regulatory compliance, strengthen public reporting and secure a commitment to responsible business practices.
To increase the use of due diligence in supply chains to uphold human rights, support community development, promote anti-corruption efforts and manage sourcing risks.
To better comply with international labour conventions and ensure responsible working conditions.
To protect the health and safety of both people and environments, and to use natural resources efficiently.
To adequately control, and disclose information about, products and so avoid misleading or deceptive marketing practices.
To secure responsible exploration and mining practices that protect potentially affected communities and environments from adverse impacts.

how it works

The COP can be applied to any size of business, and its scope includes all sectors of the gold, silver,
PGM, diamond and coloured gemstone jewellery supply chain

To achieve RJC Certified Member status is a major milestone in your sustainability journey. It demonstrates your commitment to responsible jewellery and promotes trust in the watch and jewellery supply chain. RJC Commercial Members who achieve Code of Practices 2019 Standards certification are permitted to display the official RJC Certified Member logo. Members have two years to achieve Certified status and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Step 1: Self-Assessment

Use the RJC Code of Practices self-assessment tool to monitor your progress with compliance and get ready for your audit.

Step 2: Audit

When you are ready, schedule your audit with an RJC accredited auditor.

Find an RJC Accredited Auditor

Step 3: Report

Your auditor will share their findings with you. Any non-conformances (NC) will be discussed and you will be required to develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP).

Minor NC: 3 year certification awarded
Major NC: 1 year certification awarded

Step 4: Certification Decision

Congratulations!

You are an RJC Certified Commercial Member. You can now use the official RJC Certified logo on all your communications.

Step 5: Mid-Term Review

If required, some members may receive a mid-term review to assess your progress. This will be discussed with you during your audit report.

Step 6: Re-Certification

Schedule your re-certification audit with an RJC accredited auditor.

Re-certification is required prior to the expiry of your current certification but no more than four months in advance. To qualify for continuous certification with no gaps between certifications, members must ensure that their re-certification audit (on-site componenet) is completed within 4 months prior to the expiry of their previous certification.

Members who complete their re-certification audit early, (more than 4 months before the expiry of their previous certification), will have their new certification issued on the day it is approved by RJC. This may result in early expiration of their previous certification.

Members who complete their re-certification late (anytime after the expiry of their previous certification), will have their new certification issued on the day it is approved by RJC, resulting in a gap between certifications cycles.

Member certification validity dates are published on our website. Search the RJC member register.

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Dive deeper into the COP standard

Library of standards, guidance, toolkits and handbooks to help you achieve your RJC certification.

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development

Catch up on revisions and changes

Regular reviews of our standards ensures they remain fit for purpose. The RJC Code of Practices was revised in 2019, its next revision started 2024. The RJC Chain-of-Custody standard was revised in 2017. Its next revision was due in 2022, and is currently underway.