Several jewelry organizations worldwide have urged the US Congress to consider lifting the US ban on rubies from Mynmar (Burma). The organizations include the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and the World Jewelry Confederation (CIBJO) among others.

The Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta's Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act went into effect in September 2008. The aim of the embargo on the import of Burmese rubies and jadeite to the US was to cut off funds to Myanmar's military junta rulers who have been condemned for human rights abuses, including violent crackdowns against peaceful dissenters.

AGTA President Doug Hucker stated at JCK Las Vegas: "We're asking Congress to re-address this issue. We feel that this embargo is not going to achieve the expected goals."

The following organizations signed a letter sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in this matter: The Canadian Jewelers Association, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers' Association, Indian Diamond and Colorstone Association, International Colored Gemstone Association, New York Gem Dealers Association and the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.

In the letter, the organizations stated that although they condemn the behavior of the junta, they do not believe think the JADE Act will achieve the intended economic repercussions. They noted that rather than impairing the military government’s finances, the crackdown has harmed Myanmar’s poor, many of whom are not only gemstone miners but also active resisters of the junta, Hucker said.

The jewelry organizations believe that tens of thousands of Burmese artisinal ruby miners in the country’s outlying areas, where rubies have been a key part of the economy, have been hit by the US sanctions.

Also feeling the blow are jewelry manufacturers in China, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, where the rubies were cut and embedded in jewelry prior to the US law.

Most of the jadeite sold through state-controlled auctions in Myanmar goes to Chinese markets, which purchase it for domestic consumption.

Hucker stated that while the law remains valid, jewelers should be prepared to answer customers’ questions about Burmese rubies and assure them that their gemstones comply with the law. He urged jewelers to acquire a relevant warranty from suppliers according to which the rubies are from some other location, such as Tanzania or Madagascar, or a guarantee that they were imported prior to September 2008.