LBMA Standards
LBMA Certification Guide
Understanding the London Bullion Market Association standards and how responsible sourcing certification protects institutional gold buyers.
What is the LBMA?
The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) is the international trade association representing the global over-the-counter gold and silver markets. It sets the standards for gold and silver bar quality, trading, and chain of custody through its Good Delivery List and Responsible Sourcing Programme.
For institutional buyers, LBMA certification signals that a refiner or supplier meets the highest standards of quality, traceability, and ethical compliance in the global gold market.
LBMA's Core Functions:
- Maintaining the Good Delivery List for gold and silver bars
- Setting Responsible Gold Guidance standards
- Administering chain-of-custody audit programs
- Coordinating conflict-free gold initiatives
Standards Comparison
| Standard | Scope | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| LBMA RGG | Refiners | Responsible sourcing |
| OECD DDG | Supply chain | Conflict-free due diligence |
| ICGLR RC | Great Lakes region | Regional certification |
| CFS (WGC) | Industry-wide | Conflict-free standard |
LBMA Responsible Sourcing Process
Risk Assessment
Identify and assess conflict, human rights, and environmental risks across the entire gold supply chain from mine to refinery.
Due Diligence
Implement OECD-aligned due diligence measures including supplier verification, documentation review, and site inspections.
Independent Audit
Annual third-party audit of the responsible sourcing framework, chain of custody, and compliance documentation.
Nile Precious Metals & LBMA Alignment
While Nile Precious Metals operates as a dore bar supplier (not a refinery), our sourcing and documentation practices align with LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance. This means every shipment we export meets the standards that LBMA-affiliated refineries require for acceptance and further processing.
Our Compliance Stack
- ✓OECD 5th Edition Due Diligence
- ✓ICGLR Regional Certification
- ✓DGSM Mineral Exporter License
- ✓Full chain-of-custody documentation
Refinery Acceptance
- ✓LBMA-affiliated refiners accept our dore
- ✓Assay certificates meet Good Delivery specs
- ✓Documentation passes refinery compliance review
- ✓Traceability supports refinery RSG reporting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nile Precious Metals LBMA-certified?
Nile Precious Metals is a dore bar supplier, not a refinery. LBMA Good Delivery certification applies to refiners. Our practices align with LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance, and our dore bars are accepted by LBMA-affiliated refineries worldwide.
What is the LBMA Good Delivery List?
The Good Delivery List is LBMA's register of refineries whose bars meet strict quality and provenance standards. Only listed refineries can produce bars accepted in the London market and most global commodity exchanges.
Why does LBMA compliance matter for gold buyers?
LBMA compliance provides assurance that gold has been sourced responsibly, meets purity standards, and carries full traceability documentation. This protects institutional buyers from regulatory, reputational, and legal risk.
How does chain of custody work under LBMA standards?
Chain of custody requires documented, verifiable tracking of gold from mine site through every processing and transport stage to final delivery. Each handoff is recorded with timestamps, quantities, and responsible parties.
Request Compliance Documentation
Access our full compliance package including OECD due diligence reports, ICGLR certificates, and chain-of-custody documentation.