President Obama signed an executive order.
An executive order signed by President Barack Obama lifts a U.S. ban on gemstones, including jade and rubies, from Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.
The Oct. 7 order cites several reasons for lifting the restrictions:
- “Historic elections in November 2015 that resulted in the former opposition party, the National League for Democracy, winning a majority of seats in the national parliament and the formation of a democratically elected, civilian-led government.”
- “The release of many political prisoners.”
- “Greater enjoyment of human rights fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and freedom of association and peaceful assembly.”
The American Gem Trade Association explains that the order “clears all gemstones, including rubies and jade, from Myanmar, including current and future inventory.”
The association said it will “continue to work with representatives to help develop a transparent supply chain that is viable for Myanmar as well as the industry as a whole.”
The import of jade and rubies was originally barred by the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE Act of 2008. Obama renewed the ban via executive order in 2013.
Read the president’s new order.