The Jewellers Association of Australia officially launched its new Jewellery Industry Code of Practice yesterday, November 23.
According to the JAA, the new code is designed to protect consumers, retailers and wholesalers by setting a standard for best industry practice.
“As the jewellery industry is largely unregulated, the Code is designed to bring structure and a level playing field to the industry, thus continuing its success.”
In Part A of the new Code of Practice, the JAA states that the Code was necessary for three main reasons:
1. The jewellery industry in Australia is largely unregulated and for some time both the ACC and the Jaa have been concerned over unethical and in some cases illegal conduct by industry members, examples of which include misleading or deceptives practices, such as Comparative Price Advertising.
2. Technological changes in recent years have also created new challenges for the jewellery industry such as the introduction of many synthetic gemstones and numerous enhancements of the colour and clarity of gemstones. It is vital that the industry addresses these challenges.
3. The future growth of the jewellery industry depends on jewellers maintaining consumer confidence by conducting their businesses in a fair, honest and sustainable manner, and thus enhancing their reputation.
The objectives of the Code are to:
- increase consumer confidence and trust when doing business with Code Signatories.
- promote a culture among Code Signatories of conducting their businessfairly, honestly and ethically, and in accordance with industry best practice.
- ensure consumers have access to the information they need to make informed choices.
- provide consumers with a cost effective alternative dispute resolution process, operated by the Committee, to resolve any disputes they may have with Code Signatories.
- provide Code Signatories with a cost effective alternative dispute resolution process, operated by the Committee, to resolve any disputes they may have with fellow Code Signatories.
- reduce the need for additional government regulation of the jewellery industry.
For more information on the Code of Practice visit www.jaa.com.au