A Structural Reform for the Pearl Sector

The Minister of Marine Resources, Temauri Foster, submitted an ambitious draft “loi du pays” this Wednesday during the Council of Ministers, aiming to deeply restructure the pearl sector. Developed in close collaboration with industry professionals, this text is part of the government’s comprehensive reorganization plan.

Main Objectives:

🔹 Fight against fraud and parallel circuits
🔹 Restore the value of the Tahitian Pearl
🔹 Protect the interests of local pearl farmers

Key Measures of the Bill

The framework includes six major initiatives:

1️⃣ Mandatory Quality Control → All production must be certified before commercialization

2️⃣ Strict Regulation of Proxies → Secure deposit and withdrawal of pearls

3️⃣ Enhanced Traceability → Mandatory declaration of: • Exact weight of lots • Number of pearls • Sale price (domestic and export markets)

4️⃣ Extension of Controls to Jewelry → Mandatory certification for pieces containing more than 5 pearls

5️⃣ Deterrent Sanctions → Permanent withdrawal of professional cards for fraudsters

6️⃣ Stronger Criminal Penalties → Increased sanctions for trafficking

A Crucial Complementary Measure

This bill works in tandem with the reinforcement of controls at Faa'a Airport, creating a complete safety net:

✔ Upstream: Production certification ✔ Downstream: Export monitoring

"These measures will permanently clean up the market and restore the value of our black gold," said Minister Foster.

Economic Outlook

Professionals expect:

📈 A significant rise in prices
💰 Better remuneration for producers
🌐 Sustained international visibility

This text, soon to be presented to the Assembly of French Polynesia, could mark a historic turning point for the territory’s leading export industry.

"It is through strict regulation that we will protect the excellence of our pearl," concluded the minister, recalling the importance of this sector, which employs nearly 5,000 Polynesians.