THE Ministry of Commerce has issued a prakas, or edict, that attempts to more thoroughly regulate the gems and jewellery industry, according to a copy received by the Post on Tuesday.

The new legislation says that all sellers of precious stones and metals must register their businesses and obtain a licence at the Trade Promotion Department, while receipts that detail the quality of the product would be required after a sale. The government may withdraw licences in cases in which the latter is violated, it adds.