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RJC launch new Code of Practices

The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has launched its new Code of Practices while celebrating more than two-thirds of its membership achieving Certified Member level.

During 2012 to 2013, the RJC carried out an extensive multi-stakeholder review of its mandatory Member standard, the Code of Practices. Incorporating valuable feedback from over 500 responses through webinars, submissions and market outreach in Asia, Europe and North America, a new Code of Practices has been established.

The new practices emphasise RJC’s “comprehensive” approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues from mine to retail and the growing importance of responsible supply chains. In addition the accompanying guidance and toolkits have also been significantly revised.

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Significant changes in the new Code of Practices include alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; new sections on Provenance Claims for diamonds, gold and platinum group metals; sourcing from Conflict-Affected Areas; and sourcing from Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining. All of these come into effect in 2015.

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RJC chairman, James Courage, said: “The RJC is very proud of the hard work of its team, the Standards Committee and the many contributing stakeholders in working to revise and improve the Code of Practices.

“RJC looks forward to the ongoing support of Members in achieving certification against the new COP in the coming years, and collectively demonstrating the commitment of the sector to responsible practices.”

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