chain of custody consultation

We want our standards to include input from every corner of the industry

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scope

The CoC Standard defines an approach for companies to handle and trade gold, silver and platinum group metals in a way that is fully traceable and responsibly sourced. 

The Chain-of-custody (CoC) standard is voluntary and complements certification against the RJC’s Code of Practices, which is mandatory for all RJC members. The RJC CoC Standard is intended to be applicable to all commercial members spanning the global jewellery and watch industry supply chain. The applicability of the Standard is global, for a business of any size; from SME to larger companies. 
 

The standard and the standard setting process is publicly available to provide guidance. The scope of the standards development are directed by the RJCs Theory of Change (ToC), also known as the Roadmap to 2030. The ToC defines what RJC as an organisation aspires to achieve with its members by 2030 through the implementation of the CoC and Code of Practices (COP). 

about

Public consultation has a critical role in ensuring RJC standards remain robust, relevant, and fit-for-purpose.

In 2022, the RJC started the process of a major review of the RJC Chain of Custody (CoC) standard. The initial update process included two rounds of 60- day public consultations and input from the multi-stakeholder Standards Committee to ensure that the updated standard sets a benchmark within the jewellery industry on traceability and responsible sourcing of material. The update addresses various points, including: 

  • removing repetition with the COP (OECD COP 7 due diligence requirements, COP 12 KYC, internal material controls);
  • a potential review of recycled definition; and
  • incorporating RJC supplementary guidance.
 
This review of the CoC is being conducted as per the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems v1.0. 
 
 

As with previous major reviews, there will be multiple rounds of public consultation. Dates and instructions on how you can get involved can be found in the Timeline (Revision Process) section of this page.

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TIMELINE

Revision process

As part of this review, two rounds of public consultation have been held so far seeking feedback on the full standard. In line with ISEAL standard setting code, the first two rounds of consultation took 60 days. As a result of mixed feedback in the last two rounds of consultation, the topic of recycled is yet to be resolved. Therefore, RJC are looking to address this in this 3rd round of consultation in which the RJC is seeking to receive feedback on the new proposed RJC definition of recycled and its implementation. This third round will be 30 days in line with ISEAL’s standard setting code.  

Standard Setting Process

This comment period has now closed.

This first public consultation ran for 60 days from 17 October 2022 to 17 December 2022.

This comment period has now closed.

The second public consultation ran from 16 November 2023 to 31 January 2024. 

For any questions, please reach out to: consultation@responsiblejewellery.com 

faqS

Find the answers to the questions we’re most commonly asked

If you have any further questions we would be happy to help. Please contact us.

RJC consults with industry experts, as well as following the ISEAL Code of Good Practise for Sustainability Systems, which outlines how to carry out a public consultation. The COP is then reviewed by the RJC team in collaboration with a multi-stakeholder RJC Standards Committee, who support in decision making based on the outcomes of the consultations. 

This is a full revision of the CoC. This time frame is in line with ISEALs standard setting code, we revise the full CoC every 5 years. 

Yes, we are suggesting that some provisions be removed. This is to avoid repetition and duplication of provisions found in the RJC Code of Practices (COP) standard, specifically: OECD COP 7 due diligence requirements; COP 12 KYC; and internal material controls. 

As per ISEAL standard setting procedures, this update will go through a minimum of two rounds of public consultation, each 60 days in duration. A third round of public consultation lasting 30 days is also taking place specifically seeking feedback on the recycled and reprocessed materials definition. 

Yes. Everyone is invited to participate in the public consultation, and we encourage you to share your views. Dates and instructions on how you can get involved can be found in the Timeline (Revision Process) section of this page. 

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Share your feedback on our standards

We’re committed to constant improvement. That’s why we’ll be opening up multiple opportunities for the public, members and stakeholders to provide feedback on our standards. 

 
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