Thai government urging gem traders to follow rules

http://www.nationaljewelernetwork.com/njn/content_display/colored-stones/color-market-reports/e3icba15d3dbc5504b388b928300196070b

February 23, 2009

Bangkok--Given the recent U.S. ban on Burmese rubies, Thailand's Ministry of Commerce is joining forces with state agencies and industry bodies to urge rough-gem traders to adhere to stricter standards.

According to a news release, the effort specifically emphasizes the need for traders from small and mid-sized companies to comply with U.S. Customs procedures in declaring their imports from the outset.

In September 2008, the United States banned the import of rubies and jadeite from Myanmar (formerly Burma), including gemstones that originated in Myanmar but were processed, treated or manufactured into jewelry in third-party countries such as Thailand, a main manufacturer of Burmese gemstones.



In January, the U.S. Customs Department issued a set of more specific regulations for ruby and jadeite importers, including requirements that the companies obtain exporter certification and evidence of tracking to prove that the stones are not from Myanmar.

In addition, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Finance and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association are involved in the effort to ensure that Thai traders are following the rules, according to the release.

The cooperation of both the public and private sector, "will help the jewelry sector to weather any uncertainties in the world economy while keeping Thailand on the forefront in the global marketplace," the release states.

According to the release, Thailand's gems and jewelry industry ranks as the country's fourth-largest export in terms of value, with 289.45 billion baht (about $8.27 billion) in exports in 2008.

The industry also provides 1 million jobs, the release states.