RJC Certificate Explained: Requirements, Audit Process & Business Benefits

Global diamond & Jewellery supply chains are under unprecedented scrutiny. Retailers, luxury brands and institutional buyers now require verifiable proof of responsible sourcing, human rights compliance and environmental accountability.

RJC Certificate has become one of the most recognised assurance mechanisms in the jewellery and precious metals sector.

Issued under the framework of the Responsible Jewellery Council, this certification validates that a company operates in alignment with internationally recognised ethical, social and environmental standards under the Code of Practices (COP 24).

This guide goes beyond surface-level explanations. It breaks down:

• What RJC Certificate actually evaluates
• Clause-level implementation expectations
• How the audit is conducted
• Typical non-conformities
• Timeline and preparation strategy
• The measurable business impact

If you are considering certification in 2026, this article is designed to serve as a practical decision-making resource. As of January 1, 2026, COP 24 is the mandatory standard for all RJC audits. Transition periods for COP 2019 have ended.

What Is RJC Certificate

RJC Certificate (COP 24) is the 2026 global standard for ethical jewellery. It requires strong human rights due diligence, third-party verification of GHG emission, and OECD-aligned sourcing. The process typically takes 6–12 months and is mandatory for all RJC members as of 2026.

RJC Certificate is a third-party verification process that a member company complies with the Code of Practices across its operations and supply chain activities.

However, in practical terms, certification evaluates whether your company has:

• A structured management system
• Formal risk assessment processes
• Documented supply chain due diligence
• Operational controls aligned with COP clauses
• Evidence-based implementation

This is not a policy-checking exercise. It is a systems audit.

Certification applies to manufacturers, refiners, traders, retailers and service providers across the gold, silver, platinum group metals and diamond supply chain.

Understanding COP 24: What Actually Changed

Under COP 24, the focus has shifted from policy existence to operational effectiveness.

Major technical enhancements include:

1. Strengthened Human Rights Due Diligence

Companies must conduct formal risk assessments aligned with frameworks referenced by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations Guiding Principles.

2. Expanded Supply Chain Traceability

Supplier onboarding now requires risk classification and documented screening procedures.

3. Enhanced Environmental Monitoring

Energy consumption, emissions and waste must be tracked systematically, not informally

4. Grievance Mechanism Effectiveness

Mechanisms must be accessible, documented and demonstrably functional.

5. Diversity: DEI & Gender Equality

New requirements for formal policies and measurable actions regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.”

6. Climate: Climate Change & Carbon

Transition from simple energy tracking to mandatory Scope 1 and Scope 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reporting for larger entities.”

RJC Certificate Requirements: Clause-Level Breakdown

To achieve Responsible Jewellery Council Certification, companies must implement controls across the following domains:

Governance & Ethics

• Anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies
• Know Your Counterparty procedures
• Documented compliance review process

Human Rights & Labour

• Forced labour risk screening
• Child labour prevention controls
• Non-discrimination implementation records
• Worker grievance logs

Health & Safety

• Risk assessments
• Incident reporting registers
• Training documentation
• Emergency drills evidence

Environmental Management

• Waste tracking logs
• Hazardous material handling records
• Quantified GHG emission reports (Scope 1 & 2) and documented science-based reduction targets.
• Environmental risk assessment

Responsible Sourcing

• Supplier due diligence documentation
• High-risk supplier mitigation plans
• Transaction-level screening (where applicable)
• Proof of OECD Step 5 reporting (Public Annual Sustainability Report) is now a critical requirement for high-revenue members.

RJC Certificate Audit Process: What Actually Happens

The RJC Certificate audit is conducted by an accredited third-party auditor.

The process typically includes:

Stage 1: Document Review

The auditor evaluates policies, procedures and risk assessments.

Stage 2: On-Site Verification

• Management interviews
• Worker interviews
• Facility inspection
• Documentation sampling

Stage 3: Non-Conformity Classification

Findings are classified as:

• Minor
• Major
• Critical

Corrective actions must be implemented within specified timelines.

Companies that treat certification as documentation-only preparation often face avoidable non-conformities.

Business Impact of RJC Certificate

Companies achieving certification report measurable improvements in:

• Buyer retention
• Audit readiness for other ESG frameworks
• Internal risk management maturity
• Brand credibility in export markets

In several cases, certification becomes a pre-qualification requirement for large international retailers.

It is increasingly seen as a commercial access credential.

Case Insight: Export Manufacturer Under Buyer Pressure

A gold jewellery exporter received buyer notice requiring certification within one year. Initial gap assessment revealed:

• No formal human rights risk assessment
• Incomplete supplier due diligence
• Informal environmental tracking

After structured system development and internal training, the company achieved certification within 8 months.

Post-certification outcome:

• Secured long-term buyer contracts
• Reduced compliance audit stress
• Strengthened ESG disclosures

The key differentiator was early gap mapping against COP 24 clauses.

Common Mistakes Companies Make

• Treating certification as a paperwork project
• Ignoring worker-level awareness
• Underestimating supply chain risk documentation
• Delaying corrective action closure

The most successful companies treat RJC Certificate as a management system upgrade, not just an audit milestone.

Preparing Strategically for Certification

To prepare effectively:

1. Conduct structured clause-by-clause gap assessment
2. Develop implementation roadmap
3. Train management and operational staff
4. Establish evidence tracking systems
5. Conduct mock audits

Resources

• Responsible Jewellery Council – Code of Practices (COP 24)
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development – Due Diligence Guidance
• United Nations – Business & Human Rights Framework