The announcement was made by Temauri Foster, Minister of Marine Resources in charge of pearl farming, in a clear effort to preserve the image of excellence associated with the Tahitian pearl.

These rejects, originating from the pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera var. cumingii, are excluded from any commercialization or export, in compliance with current regulations. Presenting defects such as calcite deposits, devitalized areas, or insufficient nacre thickness, these pearls do not meet the strict quality standards set by the profession.

During export inspections, such rejects are systematically separated before being destroyed under supervision. To support pearl farmers in this quality-focused initiative, the State provides compensation at a rate of 50 XPF per gram of rejects kept, up to a limit of 500 grams per hectare per year.

This measure aims to encourage the rigorous elimination of non-compliant products. In 2010, 155 producers already benefited from this assistance, with a total of 233,118 pearls compensated — illustrating a determined policy to strengthen the value of the “Tahitian Pearl” label.