The French Polynesian government may face another costly legal setback over its destruction of reject pearls.
The administrative court recently examined a claim by Toanui Pearls, whose 14,175 pearls were destroyed in March 2017—just before new legislation authorized their commercialization.
This case mirrors January’s ruling that ordered the government to pay 30 million Fcfp in compensation after destroying over 120,000 pearls previously deemed unsellable. Both judgments found the destruction orders lacked legal basis.
While Toanui Pearls seeks 14 million Fcfp in damages, the court’s rapporteur suggested 7.5 million Fcfp as appropriate compensation, noting the pearls held verifiable market value once commercialization became permitted.
A final ruling is expected by March 16.
The repeated cases highlight growing legal uncertainty for pearl industry professionals, compounding pressures on a sector already weakened by years of economic challenges.
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