Prohibiting Certain Imports of Burmese Jadeite and Rubies

Aug 9, 2013

Summary

Stops people from bringing jadeite, rubies, and jewelry with these gems from Burma into the United States.

What problem does this solve?

The U.S. government was concerned about the actions of the government in Burma and wanted to put financial pressure on them. This order blocks the import of valuable gems like jadeite and rubies from Burma, cutting off a source of money for the country's leaders.

What does this order do?

Prohibits import of Burmese gems

Bans bringing any jadeite or rubies that were mined or taken from Burma into the United States. This also includes any jewelry that contains these gems.

Prevents avoiding the ban

Makes it illegal to try to get around the import ban. It is also illegal to plan with others to break the rules of this order.

Changes a previous executive order

Removes sections 3 and 8 from Executive Order 13310, which was an earlier order related to Burma.

Allows re-import of personal items

Creates an exception for gems or jewelry that were taken out of the U.S. for personal use and are brought back by the same person without being changed.

Waives certain sanctions

States that it is in the national interest to waive sanctions described in the JADE Act, but other financial blocks on certain people and groups remain in place.

Who does this affect?

Importers of gems and jewelry
The government of Burma (Myanmar)
U.S. jewelry businesses

What is the real world impact?

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Applies economic pressure on Burma's government

Blocks a key source of income for the government of Burma by banning the import of its valuable jadeite and rubies. This is a tool to encourage political change in the country without using military force.

When does this start?

This order becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 7, 2013.