Legal Requirements to Buy Gold from Africa (2025)

Blog by CEMAC BUYERS PERMIT

All > Legal Requirements to Buy Gold > Legal Requirements to Buy Gold

1 like

Please login to like this article.

Legal Requirements to Buy Gold from Africa (2025) ? Complete Guide for Investors

Caption: Authentic gold bars from African mines require proper documentation for legal export

Introduction

With Africa producing nearly 30% of the world's gold, international investors are increasingly looking to source gold directly from mining countries like Ghana, South Africa, and the DRC. However, navigating the legal requirements can be challenging. This 2025 guide covers everything you need to know about legally buying and exporting gold from West and Central Africa, including essential documents, CEMAC permits, shipping procedures, and how to avoid scams.

1. Key African Gold-Producing Countries

Here are the top African countries for gold sourcing, along with their specific requirements:

Country	Key Requirements	Gold Production (2024)
South Africa	LBMA-certified refiners, export license	110 tonnes
Ghana	PMMC certification, EPA permit	90 tonnes
DRC	CEEC certification, mining license	35 tonnes
Mali	Office des Mines approval	65 tonnes
Burkina Faso	Ministry of Mines permit	50 tonnes
Tanzania	Bank of Tanzania export approval	60 tonnes
Cameroon	CEMAC Buyers Permit (essential)	15 tonnes

Source: World Gold Council 2024 Report

2. Mandatory Documents for Legal Gold Purchase

To legally buy and export gold from Africa, you'll need:

A. Personal/Business Documents

Passport copy (notarized)
Company registration documents (if buying commercially)
Proof of funds (bank statement)
Tax identification number

B. Gold-Specific Documents

Purchase Invoice (must include):
- Seller's license number
- Gold weight and purity (e.g., 22K, 24K)
- Transaction date and price
Assay Certificate
From recognized labs like:
- SGS (Switzerland)
- PMMC (Ghana)
- Rand Refinery (South Africa)
Export Permits:
- CEMAC Buyers Permit (for Cameroon/Central Africa) - Apply Here
- Kimberley Process Certificate (conflict-free verification)
- Ministry of Mines approval (country-specific)

3. Step-by-Step Buying Process

Follow this 5-step process to purchase gold legally:

Find Licensed Sellers
- Use government-approved dealers like:
  - Ghana's Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC)
  - South Africa's Rand Refinery
  - Bonas Gold verified suppliers
Verify Authenticity
- Demand third-party assay reports
- Check for LBMA or ISO 9001 certification
- Avoid "too good to be true" prices
Obtain Export Permits
- For Central Africa: CEMAC permit application
- For West Africa: ECOWAS certification
Arrange Secure Shipping
- Use insured carriers like JT Shipping Group (Contact: +237 233400654)
- Ensure tamper-proof packaging
Clear Customs
- Prepare:
  - Commercial invoice
  - Assay certificate
  - Import license (for your country)

4. Shipping Gold from Africa: Key Tips

Insurance: Must cover 110% of gold value
Best Carriers:
- DHL Secure Aviation
- Brinks Global Services
- JT Shipping Group (for African routes)
Customs Declaration: Label as "Precious Metals" with proper HS codes (e.g., HS 7108 for gold)

"Never ship gold without a fully insured, trackable method. Losing $100k+ shipments to 'missing packages' is common with unverified shippers."
? Gold Trading Expert, Bonas Gold