The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has completed significant updates to its Code of Practices (COP) and Chain of Custody (COC) standards, following a comprehensive five-year review process. These updates align RJC’s guidelines with the globally recognized ISEAL sustainability standards, setting a new benchmark for ethical and sustainable practices in the jewelry industry.
Major Updates to Core Standards
- Chain of Custody (COC) Standards
The updated COC standards now recognize three qualifying material categories for recycled precious metals:
- Pre-consumer materials.
- Post-consumer materials.
- Waste materials and mixtures of these categories.
- Code of Practices (COP) Guidelines
The revised COP standards incorporate expanded requirements in the following areas:
- Human rights due diligence.
- Grievance mechanisms and supply chain accountability.
- Claims and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reporting.
- Inclusivity, diversity, and environmental protection measures.
These standards now include emerging guidelines tailored to mining and mineral processing facilities, enhancing environmental and social safeguards across the supply chain.
Consultation and Feedback
The revisions were informed by a rigorous consultation process, spanning three years for the COP and two years for the COC, with 1,200 comments and feedback submissions from industry and non-industry stakeholders. This extensive feedback shaped the new standards, ensuring they meet the evolving expectations of the global market.
Supporting the UN’s Sustainability Agenda
By implementing these updated standards, RJC member companies, spanning the supply chain from mining to retail, contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The COP provides a unified framework for ethical, social, human rights, and environmental practices across key sectors, including:
- Mining.
- Gemstone and precious metal trading.
- Laboratories and other industry services.
The COC sets principles for the responsible sourcing and traceability of gold, silver, and platinum group metals, ensuring transparency and ethical practices from source to market.
A Stronger Future for Sustainable Jewelry
With these updates, the RJC reinforces its leadership in promoting responsible business practices across the jewelry industry. The expanded standards reflect the growing demand for ethical, sustainable, and transparent operations, ensuring the sector continues to innovate while meeting global sustainability goals.