Burma Ruby ban starts 26 October

The phase 1 plan of implementation of "Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008" has been issued by the U.S. Customs & Border Protection.
After the implementation of the ban, no jadeite and rubies of Myanmar origin can be imported into the United States. The ban includes all Burmese origin jadeite and rubies, even those that are taken to Thailand or elsewhere and transformed substantially.

A statement issued by the Jewelers Vigilance Alliance informed about the 30-day grace period that has been established whereby importers and exporters that may not meet all mandatory requirements can still import and export non-Burmese goods until Oct. 26.

After the implementation of the ban, a harmonized Tariff System code, issued by the customs, is to be used for all non-Burmese rubies and jadeite and jewelry containing these gemstones imported into the U.S. Phase 2 of the plan would be developed later on to support additional verification of export controls and to streamline the process chalked out in Phase 1.
For further clarification, importers and exporters can contact U.S. Customs at jade.act@cbp.dhs.gov.