Exports of Pakistani jewellery can be increased through hallmarking.

ISLAMABAD, October 13, 2009 (Balochistan Times): Pakistan is the 8th biggest consumer of gold in the world and annually imports 127 tons gold but unfortunately there is no consumer satisfaction and Pakistani jewellery industry suffers from unfair competition by those who under-carat gold and therefore sell at a lower price. Non existence of hallmarking results in Pakistan s increasing loss of export, self independence and less acceptability of Pakistani products both in the local and global markets. The Seminar titled latest trends in jewellery hallmarking organized by Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company (PGJDC) at Skill Development Council in Islamabad. Abdul Sattar a Precious Metal Consultant said that in order to improve the quality of jewellery products, complete quality assessment and all marking of gold is imperative. He informed that hallmarking refers to physically marking a piece of jewellery according to specific laws to certify the purity of metal. Hallmarks are small markings stamped on gold, silver and platinum articles. A hallmark means that the article has been independently tested and guarantees that it confirms to all legal standards of purity (Fineness). These tests are carried out only by an assay office. A number of successful jewellery industry in the world use hallmarking both as a marketing tool and to ensure consumer confidence, he added. According to a PGJDC official the decision to develop hallmarking in Pakistan is part of national strategy submitted by SWOG and Ministry of Industrys support. It was aimed at helping Pakistan s small and medium sized enterprises to reposition themselves on a more competitive footing in the domestic and global markets. He informed that as a first step towards implementation of Hallmarking in Pakistan PGJDC is working on the draft of hall marking act which is under process right now. This will ultimately require Government of Pakistan support and approval of Hallmarking Act by the Parliament to constitute a Controlling Body whose role would be to set standards, rules and regulations under which Pakistan Hallmarking scheme would operate, Fawad added. He said that the main objective is to create awareness among common people and to improve the image of our local Jewellery industry at international levels. He informed that PGJDC is working on setting up an assaying and hallmarking system with the help of Government organizations like (PITMAEM, PCSIR Labs complex) and to develop a strong cooperation between local and international manufacturers of gold Jewellery. Abdul Sattar said that apart from other countries of the world implementation hallmarking law in Pakistan would help country increase its export to approximately 18 signatory countries of Vienna convention. Speakers said that awareness creating campaign should be focused on expanding awareness amongst consumers to generate consumer demand for hallmarked jewellery from retailers. It should be the jewellers responsibility to educate customers, as it is done in UK , India and other successful jewellery manufacturing countries, and ensure that consumers understand the significance of hallmarking and begin to look for Hallmarked jewellery. Hallmarking will not only build much needed consumer confidence, it will also convince the international market that Pakistan is committed to provide quality products resulting in export enhancement and self reliance, they added. Audience was also educated about Current compulsory Hallmarks implemented in other countries of the world that include sponsors or makers mark, metal and fineness (Purity) mark and assay office mark which indicates the particular Assay Office at which the article was tested and marked.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)