The initiative of the company to introduce the much sought after Assaying and Hallmarking system in Pakistan undertook substantial progress recently. Establishment of Assaying and Hallmarking Centers is a milestone on which PGJDC is currently working on.

Latest Activities:

PGJDC appoints Assay Office London as consultant:
Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) has entered into an agreement with Assay Office London for the establishment of Assaying and Hallmarking Centres. The agreement is worth UK Pounds 42,000 (Rs. 5.5 million). Assay Office London will help PGJDC in its efforts to bring the system of assaying and Hallmarking in Pakistan. Introduction of jewellery Hallmarking in the country will boost exports, stimulate competitiveness, increase consumer confidence and trust. It is also going to help Pakistan in becoming member of the Vienna Convention. Membership of Vienna Convention benefits the exporters in terms of lack of re-inspection, internationally accepted standardization and transparency.

Hallmarking Campaign across the country:
The company also started a nationwide campaign to increase awareness about Assaying and Hallmarking. Pakistani trade members of gems and jewellery sector are being informed, educated and their consent is being acquired through this practice. The benefits of Assaying & Hallmarking are being pronounced to the gems and jewellery trade members. PGJDC has started its Hallmarking Campaign with Petition Signing practice at the jewellery hubs of Karachi and Lahore. Once the petition signing of the trade is completed, the company aims to further its Hallmarking campaign efforts through conducting seminars, talk shows, advertisements and/or other modes of promotion.

Hallmarking Centre to be built in Karachi:
Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company is close to finalizing premises for its Hallmarking Centre Karachi. Establishments of model Assaying & Hallmarking Centres across Pakistan is a mandate of the company. These Hallmarking Centres will play a pivotal role in inculcating the importance of Assaying and Hallmarking into the norms of Pakistani jewellery sector. Assaying and Hallmarking Centres will provide a paradigm and direction for the independent Assay Centres. Machinery and equipment specific to assaying process and marking are already being procured by the company.

Assaying & Hallmarking Centre Lahore:
Assaying & Hallmarking Centre is soon likely to be operational. This centre would provide the much awaited facility for Hallmarking to accurately determine and officially record the proportionate contents of precious metal in jewellery. Official marks are used in many countries as a guarantee of purity or fineness of gold jewellery. For peace of mind and security to people's investment in gold it is imperative that a consumer understand the Hallmarking initiative taken by PGJDC.

Progress on Hallmarking Rules and Regulations:
Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company has been working on legislation for Hallmarking. Different options for the legislation have been considered. After thorough studies of those different options the rules for Assaying and Hallmarking have been developed and are being discussed with the stakeholders to take them on board. According to these Rules, PSQCA will delegate its powers and authority to PGJDC for Assaying and Hallmarking system in Pakistan as per section 17 of the Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority Act 1996. These Rules can be implemented immediately and it fulfils the requirement of Vienna Convention as the delegation of authority is provided under this Act duly approved through legislation. In order to safeguard the interest of the trade, these Rules will not be changed unilaterally by the government.