Client Code of Conduct
1. Code of Conduct Statement
The reputation of Gemological Institute of America, Inc. and its affiliates (“GIA,” the “Institute” or “our”) for integrity and independence is central to its mission of ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry. This Client Code of Conduct (“the Code”) is fundamental to furthering GIA’s mission and applies to all GIA clients and their representatives. As a GIA client, you are expected to conduct yourself and your business ethically and with integrity. You are also expected to act professionally and courteously in your dealings with GIA employees.2. Purpose
The purpose of the Code is to provide guidance to our clients so that they understand GIA’s expectations regarding a client’s behavior when dealing with GIA personnel and our expectations that each of our clients use only ethical business practices and are fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.3. Guidance for Clients
In order to be in alignment with GIA’s #1 Core Value of Integrity, clients must:3.1. Act professionally and courteously at all times to GIA personnel;
3.2. Not attempt to intimidate or harass, sexually or otherwise, any GIA employee;
3.3. Not use profane, hostile or aggressive language with GIA employees;
3.4. Not engage in conduct which is fraudulent, corrupt, deceptive, misleading or harmful to the public or to the gem or jewelry industry;
3.5. Not submit insufficient or false information to GIA;
3.6. Not engage in any conduct which is in violation of applicable anti-bribery/anti-corruption laws and regulations, trade controls (import/export) regulations, U.S. Economic Sanctions or other applicable sanctions regulations;
3.7. Not submit articles to GIA on behalf of a third party in violation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Prevention of Terrorist Financing Regulations;
3.8. Not submit articles to GIA in violation of the Kimberley Process requirements;
3.9. Not knowingly submit articles to GIA which are unstable, synthetic or have been treated without disclosure to GIA at the time of submission;
3.10. Not knowingly submit articles to GIA which have been fraudulently inscribed;
3.11. Not submit articles to GIA on behalf of a third party unless disclosed to GIA at the time of submission.
