Prohibiting Certain Imports of Burmese Jadeite and Rubies

This executive order prohibits importing Burmese jadeite, rubies, and jewelry containing them into the United States, effective August 7, 2013. It also revokes certain provisions of a prior executive order and waives broader JADE Act sanctions while maintaining existing blocking sanctions against specially designated persons.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 48793

Impact dates

Aug 7, 2013
Import prohibition takes effect; order becomes effective

Key directives

Prohibit importation of Burmese jadeite, rubies, and jewelry containing them
Revoke sections 3 and 8 of Executive Order 13310
Waive sanctions described in section 5(b) of the JADE Act
Authorize Treasury Secretary to issue rules and regulations to implement order
Maintain prohibitions on transactions with SDN-listed persons

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Import prohibition takes effect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 7, 2013
Sections 3 and 8 of Executive Order 13310 revoked
JADE Act sanctions under section 5(b) waived

Near term (90d)

Treasury Department to promulgate implementing rules and regulations as needed

Long term

Ongoing enforcement of import ban and blocking sanctions against SDN-listed persons

Risks & tensions

Narrow sanctions targeting specific commodities while waiving broader JADE Act sanctions may create mixed signals on Burma policy
Exemption for personal reimports (Section 6) creates enforcement complexity and potential evasion risk
Revocation of prior EO provisions without affecting past violations creates legal continuity tension
Waiver determination of 'national interest' under JADE Act may face congressional scrutiny