On 19 March 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (“MONREC”) issued the Procedures for Gemological Laboratories under Section 69(b) of the Myanmar Gemstone Law. These procedures establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to standardize the registration, operation, testing, certification, and oversight of gemological laboratories authorized by the Myanmar Gems Enterprise (“MGE”), aiming to enhance quality assurance, promote research, and support sustainable development in Myanmar’s gemstone industry. These procedures took effect immediately upon publication.
Registration and Licensing Requirements
To legally operate, gemological laboratories must obtain a Registration Certificate from the MGE, valid for up to three years. Applicants must fulfill several prerequisites, including providing adequate laboratory facilities equipped with approved instruments ranging from basic tools like UV lights and microscopes to advanced technologies such as FTIR, Raman Spectrometers, and LA-ICP-MS. Employing qualified personnel is mandatory, including a Laboratory In-Charge with relevant gemological education and experience, alongside credentialed experts and trained staff. Environmental safeguards and compliance with all applicable laws and operational protocols are required.
Applicants submit a detailed registration dossier to the MGE, including laboratory information, staff qualifications, equipment inventories, and operational procedures. Upon meeting all legal and technical standards and paying the registration fee—300,000 Kyats annually or 900,000 Kyats for three years—a Registration Certificate is issued. Laboratories must apply for renewal at least 90 days before expiry, and certificates must be returned if operations cease prematurely.
Laboratory Operations and Testing Protocols
Registered laboratories are responsible for conducting accurate, reliable, and impartial testing, analysis, and certification of gemstones, including rough stones, finished gems, jewelry, and related products. Testing involves a combination of physical inspection and advanced scientific methods. Each test report must comprehensively document details such as laboratory name, report serial number and date, initial gemstone description, weight, clarity grade, dimensions, inclusions, shape or cut, transparency, color, origin, and photographic evidence. Test findings must be strictly based on verified laboratory analyses, excluding unverified or speculative information. Reports are signed by the Laboratory In-Charge, who bears full responsibility for their validity and integrity. Laboratories must maintain thorough records of all procedures—from gemstone acceptance through testing, reporting, and return—in registration books and digital databases.
Transparency and Applicant Rights
Laboratories must clearly inform applicants prior to gemstone submission about available services, fees, expert qualifications, safety measures, report formats, and terms of service. Upon receiving gemstones, laboratories are required to inspect, measure, photograph, and issue receipts to applicants. Test results must be explained thoroughly before returning both gemstones and original certified reports. Applicants may file complaints within specified timeframes if dissatisfied, submitting the originally tested gemstones and reports. Laboratories must address complaints according to established procedures. Laboratories are responsible for establishing such timeframes and procedures.
Compliance and Professional Conduct
All laboratories and personnel must fully comply with relevant laws, MONREC directives, and MGE regulations. Staff, including foreign experts, must act with integrity, maintain impartiality, and continuously develop their gemological expertise to uphold professional standards. Laboratories are also required to observe legal procedures for handling mounted gemstones and implement environmental and safety safeguards.
Enforcement and Penalties
Violations of the procedures or related regulations may result in graduated enforcement actions, including written warnings, fines, temporary suspension, or permanent cancellation of the Registration Certificate and laboratory closure. Unauthorized laboratories operating without certification will receive notices to register; failure to comply within 30 days may lead to prohibition of operations by relevant authorities.
Administrative Oversight and Record-Keeping
The MGE manages all aspects of Registration Certificates, including issuance, renewal, suspension, and cancellation, while maintaining detailed records and reporting registered laboratories to MONREC. Certificates must be returned during temporary service suspensions, and replacements for lost or damaged certificates may be obtained subject to fines and Police Clearance Certificate.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
