Alexander Perevedentcev, the head of the Assay Office of Russia made a report during the International Business Conference RPMG 2003. One of the report’s main issue was the work of the assay Office in the circumstances of market economy in Russia. Annual growth of jewellery presented for assaying is 30%. In January-September 2003 Russan jewellers presented 16 mln pcs of golden jewellery that exceeded the results of the same period last year by 33%. About 12 mln pcs of silver jewellery were provided; their growth is about 40%. The growth of platinum and palladium jewellery production this year has been significant as well — 70% (26 thou pcs).

The Assay Office of Russia has been charged with additional duty — the control over precious metals import and export. According to Mr Perevedntcev, one of the actions that should be taken is making amendments to the Federal law on precious metals and gemstones concerning the technical process of assaying.