Exceptional cargo needs precise records.
A dedicated guide to gold bullion, polished diamond consignments and the information typically required before international transport.
Gold bullion.
Accurate cargo data helps establish the type of metal being offered for shipment and the carrier’s eligibility to handle it.
- Number and gross/net weight of bars
- Fineness and visible serial/identifying marks
- Provenance, ownership, valuation documents
- Country-specific export and import requirements
Polished diamonds.
Individual stone details and credible supporting valuations matter for cargo records and customs declarations.
- Stone count and individual carat weights
- Shape, characteristics and available laboratory reports
- Provenance, ownership and supporting valuations
- Applicable diamond trade and customs rules
From enquiry to handover.
A proposed shipment should pass through document review and acceptance checks before a transport booking is represented as finalized.
Gather an accurate manifest, ownership evidence and a supportable valuation.
Confirm the relevant permits, taxes, customs filings and recipient responsibilities.
Seek carrier acceptance, written security procedures where relevant and actual insurance terms.
Document real custody events and verify the receiver before delivery.
Gifts still require documentation.
Where assets are gifted to a recipient, parties may need a signed gift deed, proof of title, identification, an itemized manifest and relevant valuation. Gift status does not automatically waive taxes or customs declarations.
More than a cargo description.
Weights and identification
Record each bullion bar’s actual weight and identifying marks, and each diamond’s carat weight and available gemological reports. Do not substitute calculated examples for physical records.
Entry and export review
EU export formalities and U.S. import requirements should be assessed for the actual goods and parties. Rough and polished diamonds can be subject to different controls.
Document a genuine gift
A gift letter can help explain ownership transfer but does not replace customs declarations, a verified valuation, carrier acceptance or insurance terms.
Explore the Shipping Resource Centre for more detailed preparation, tracking and verification information.
Start with an informed conversation.
Send the general facts about your proposed consignment. Any route, insurance or booking detail should be confirmed in writing.
More on bullion and diamond documentation.
Read how to document individual bullion bars and why rough-diamond rules differ from those for polished stones.