GOALS
The COP defines the requirements for establishing responsible business practices throughout the jewellery supply chain, from mine to retail
The COP is made up of 45 provisions that are specifically designed for companies to fulfil six broad objectives:
- To improve legal and regulatory compliance, strengthen public reporting and secure a commitment to responsible business practices.
- To increase the use of due diligence in supply chains to uphold human rights, support community development, promote anti-corruption efforts and manage sourcing risks.
- To better comply with international labour conventions and ensure responsible working conditions.
- To protect the health and safety of both people and environments, and to use natural resources efficiently.
- To adequately control, and disclose information about, products and so avoid misleading or deceptive marketing practices.
- To secure responsible exploration and mining practices that protect potentially affected communities and environments from adverse impacts.
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How it works Applicable to businesses of all sizes across gold, silver, PGM, diamond, and coloured gemstone sectors
Achieving RJC Certified Member status is a major milestone in your sustainability journey, demonstrating your commitment to responsible jewellery. Commercial Members certified under the 2019/2024 Code of Practices or Laboratory Grown Material standard can display the official RJC Certified Member logo. You have two years to get certified and we’re here to support you throughout.
Report review and decision
Your auditor will share their findings with you. Any non-conformances (NC) will be discussed and you will be required to develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
Report review and decision 2
Your auditor will share their findings with you. Any non-conformances (NC) will be discussed and you will be required to develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
Report review and decision 3
Your auditor will share their findings with you. Any non-conformances (NC) will be discussed and you will be required to develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
Report review and decision 4
Your auditor will share their findings with you. Any non-conformances (NC) will be discussed and you will be required to develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
COP 2024 STANDARD Key changes on COP 2024
- COP 6 Human Right has a greater focus and guidance on Human Rights due diligence aligned to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
- Human rights is already an important provision in the COP standard, but the expansion with additional guidance aims to provide further support to help members develop appropriate approaches to conformance to avoid and address any human rights related adverse impacts.
- COP 6 Human Right has a greater focus and guidance on Human Rights due diligence aligned to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
- Human rights is already an important provision in the COP standard, but the expansion with additional guidance aims to provide further support to help members develop appropriate approaches to conformance to avoid and address any human rights related adverse impacts.
- COP 6 Human Right has a greater focus and guidance on Human Rights due diligence aligned to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
- Human rights is already an important provision in the COP standard, but the expansion with additional guidance aims to provide further support to help members develop appropriate approaches to conformance to avoid and address any human rights related adverse impacts.
- COP 6 Human Right has a greater focus and guidance on Human Rights due diligence aligned to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
- Human rights is already an important provision in the COP standard, but the expansion with additional guidance aims to provide further support to help members develop appropriate approaches to conformance to avoid and address any human rights related adverse impacts.
Key dates for implementing the COP
2024 COP and COC Effective Date
On the 1st of January 2025, the fully revised 2024 Code of Practices and Chain of Custody became effective.
Optional 2024 COP and COC Certification
If members have found an auditor that has been fully trained and has availability, they can choose to be certified against the 2024 COP or COC from the 1st April 2025.
