African Gold Buyer Due Diligence: A Practical Checklist
Buying gold internationally requires more than reviewing a quoted price. Buyers should establish who they are dealing with, verify the material and ownership, review documentation, understand the transaction route and ensure that the proposed transaction complies with applicable laws and regulations.
1. Verify the Supplier
Review the supplier’s legal identity, authority to sell, business address, relevant registrations and transaction history where available. Confirm that the person negotiating the transaction is authorized to represent the seller.
2. Verify the Gold
Review the stated weight, form and fineness and determine how these characteristics will be independently verified. Understand how physical bars or material are linked to assay reports and chain-of-custody records. See Gold Verification & Due Diligence.
3. Review Ownership and Origin
Ask for evidence supporting lawful ownership and origin, together with relevant provenance information. The documentation should be internally consistent and should identify the parties responsible for the transaction.
4. Review Export, Customs and Logistics
Understand which country is exporting the material, which authorities are involved, what documentation is required and how the shipment will be handled. Review the proposed export documentation and international logistics before committing funds.
5. Use a Controlled Transaction Process
Use written contracts, defined responsibilities, documented verification steps and appropriate payment controls. For significant transactions, buyers should obtain independent legal, tax, customs and compliance advice appropriate to the jurisdictions involved.
Start With the Buyer Guide
For the broader sourcing process, read How to Buy African Gold or African Gold Supplier. To discuss a specific sourcing requirement, contact The Miners League.