Gold Verification & Due Diligence
Gold buyers need a clear way to connect the physical material with its documentation. Verification should address the identity of the material, its assay or laboratory results, ownership and origin, and the documentation required for the proposed transaction.
What should be checked?
- Physical material: weight, form, markings and packaging should be recorded where applicable.
- Assay information: assay reports should identify the relevant material or be linked to it through documented custody and sampling procedures.
- Chain of custody: records should explain who handled the material from sampling or testing through the transaction stage.
- Origin and ownership: the seller should provide appropriate evidence supporting the source and right to sell the material.
- Export and customs documents: documents should correspond to the shipment, route and applicable legal requirements.
How are gold and an assay report linked?
Where a bar or parcel does not have a unique serial number, the relationship can be established through documented sampling, photographs, weights, packaging or seals, chain-of-custody records, laboratory references and other transaction-specific identifiers. The appropriate method depends on the material and laboratory procedure.
Independent verification
For significant transactions, buyers may choose independent laboratories, inspection companies, legal counsel, customs specialists or other qualified professionals to verify relevant information before payment or delivery. Buyers can also review our African Gold Export Documentation guide and buyer due diligence checklist.
Documentation
The exact documents required depend on the country of origin, destination, product, seller, buyer and transaction structure. We recommend checking requirements with the relevant authorities and qualified professionals.
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