CIBJO Blue Book and “Do’s and Don’ts” Guide on Responsible Sourcing
The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) released the first edition of the Responsible Sourcing Book in January 2019. The latest in CIBJO’s series of Blue Books, it provides a framework and guidance for due diligence related to the responsible sourcing of gemstones and precious metals in the jewelry sector. In March, the organization also approved a simplified “Do’s and Don’ts” guide.
The new Blue Book is the result of a yearlong effort, during which a responsible sourcing commission was formed and a policy document introduced at CIBJO’s 2018 congress in Bogotá. The book, which was thoroughly reviewed by external members of the trade, advises all industry members to have a responsible sourcing policy in place and to perform due diligence on their supply chains “to the best of their ability.” It also recommends that industry members check for and mitigate risks related to human rights, labor practices, or criminal activity. The Blue Book aligns with the OECD’s Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, and it requires compliance with both the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The “Do’s and Don’ts” document, at 11 pages, does not replace the Blue Book released in January. It is intended as a reference tool for business owners and their staff to ensure best practices and promote consumer confidence. As of March 2019, the simplified guide can be downloaded in English, Arabic, Dutch, French, Hebrew, Italian, and Portuguese. Additional language versions are being prepared.
Both the Blue Book and the “Do’s and Don’ts” document are available, free of charge, at www.cibjo.org.
