The meeting discussed the challenges facing businesses in the jewellery sector, new regulatory approaches and the key principles of the “Assay Control System” planned for introduction.

A meeting was held at the State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan with a delegation from the Azerbaijan Jewelers Association. Representatives of major jewellery businesses and production facilities from across the country also took part.

Ilgar Hasanov, Adviser to the Chairman of the Agency, and Togrul Abbasguliyev, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Jewelers Association, addressed the meeting. This was followed by an extensive exchange of views on the development of the country’s quality infrastructure, particularly the establishment of an assay control system. Detailed information was given on the work done by the Agency so far to organize assay control and on the measures taken to establish the necessary material and technical infrastructure. It was stressed that establishing assay laboratories that meet modern requirements, equipping them with equipment complying with international standards and strengthening the pool of qualified personnel are among the key priorities.

The discussions also covered the legal framework of the assay mechanism and the assaying and hallmarking of articles made of precious metals. It was noted that the measures being taken in this area will help create a favourable environment for market participants in the jewellery sector, protect consumer rights and foster a healthy competitive environment.