International legislation and standards are having a major impact on the jewellery and watch industry.

The forthcoming restrictions on lead content, added to the changes to the nickel testing methods are causing problems. The new Consumer Product Safety Regulation which replaces the General Product Safety Directive in 2014 is significantly more onerous and a recent EU consultation on conflict minerals indicates that an initiative is imminent. New regulations are particularly difficult for the UK where the structure of the industry includes many small companies, who struggle to deal with burgeoning administration and increased costs. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="269"] Michael Allchin on his visit to Brussels[/caption]  The Birmingham Assay Office is working with those who can influence the legislation for the good of the industry, while still protecting the consumer.

The new EU Committee created by CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation) is welcomed.  The delegation first met with EU Director, Tung Lai Margue, and two of his policy officers in Brussels in late June. Michael Allchin was pleased to join Simon Rainer from the British Jewellers Association, Michael Rawlinson from the National Association of Goldsmiths and James Riley from the Gemmological Association to add a technical viewpoint to the discussions and to understand how best to influence decisions that impact our industry.

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