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Trade Support Services


The weighing, sampling and analysis of precious metals in their various forms and applications can introduce significant commercial risk to all parties involved in the trade chain. Quantitative and qualitative parameters need to be verified throughout the transaction and transport process.

Often specialized services and expertise are needed. SGS provides inspection and supervision services involved in weight certification, sampling, chemical and quality analysis in most parts of the world. Whether you are selling, buying or transporting the material, SGS is ready to independently verify the shipment weight and quality parameters.

We have a full spectrum of trade support services focused on metal control and risk management.

These include:

  • Quantity/quality verification services
  • Supervision, sampling and tallying
    • (P)re-loading cargo survey
    • (C)ustom sample preparation services
    • (P)arty and umpire analysis
  • Quantity/quality guarantee services
  • Sampling audits
  • Verification and calibration of weighing systems
  • Precious metal inventory management

Global Network

Inspection, sampling, tallying or weight determination are activities that may be performed at a producer’s facility, transshipment points, in storage or at a receiver's premises. SGS has more than 1'000 offices and over 50,000 employees in 140 countries around the world. We have people on the ground wherever and whenever you need us. We are familiar with local regulations and trade practices, and we speak the local language.

With multiple offices in South Africa and Russia and a strong presence throughout North America, Europe, China and Japan, we are well represented in the major precious-metals producing and consuming regions of the world. Whether you need us to supervise the loading of a shipment of doré or verify the content of precious metal scrap, we are conveniently located to provide you with the services you need.

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