Exporting Gold in South America| Routes, Laws & Licensed Dealers [2025]

Exporting gold  in South America, South America stands as one of the world’s most profitable gold-exporting regions, with countries like Peru, Colombia, and Brazil leading in raw and refined gold shipments. Whether you’re an investor, wholesaler, or jewelry manufacturer, understanding how gold is exported from South America can save you from costly delays, fake brokers, and legal hurdles. In this guide, we uncover licensed dealers, top export routes to the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and how to avoid common scams in the region’s booming gold market. Exporting gold in south America

Top Gold Export Laws in South American Countries – What You Need to Know

1. Export Licensing is Mandatory (All Countries)

Every South American country requires an official export license for individuals or companies exporting gold. This license is typically issued by the Ministry of Mines or Commerce, like in Peru: Exporters must be registered with SUNAT and MINEM. Colombia: Must register with the Ministry of Mines and DANE. And Brazil: A Cadastro Técnico Federal (CTF) registration with IBAMA and ANM is required. Exporting gold in south America

2. Proof of Legal Gold Origin

Governments demand traceability of gold origin to fight illegal mining, and exporters must show documentation that gold was sourced from licensed mining sites, and common documents required are

• Mining license copy
• Assay report
• Purchase receipts or mine production reports
• Environmental compliance certificate

3. Mandatory Gold Assaying and Certification

Gold must be tested and certified by a government-accredited laboratory to confirm purity and weight before export. Like Guyana: GGB (Guyana Gold Board) assays all gold.

• Peru: INGEMMET or other certified assayers provide final documentation.
• Ecuador: The Central Bank or authorized third parties issue the certificate.

4. Central Bank Notification or Registration

Some countries require you to declare gold exports to the central bank to track capital flows and export revenue, like Bolivia & Venezuela: you must declare all gold sales and exports to the central bank, and Brazil: Exporters report through SISCOMEX and the Central Bank’s Foreign Trade Portal.

5. Tax Compliance and Royalties

You must pay applicable mineral royalties, export duties, VAT, and income tax before gold can be exported, as in Peru: 2–3% mining royalty on gross revenue, Brazil: 1.5% CFEM royalty on gold sales, and in Colombia: 4% royalty and VAT exemptions for legal exports

6. AML/KYC and Anti-Terrorism Financing Rules

Governments enforce strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) laws. Exporters must maintain transparent records and conduct due diligence, like suspicious transactions must be reported, only banked payments are allowed (no cash sales), and Buyers and sellers are screened via OFAC or UN sanctions lists. Exporting gold in south America

7. 7. Customs Clearance and Port Security

Gold must be exported through designated international ports or airports, and clearance is required from customs and border authorities it Sealed packaging and digital barcoding may be required, and customs inspects all shipments, cross-verifying documents.

8. Export Quotas or Restrictions (Certain Countries)

Some countries may impose quotas or restrict gold exports during certain periods to control domestic supply or protect reserves, as in Venezuela. Export is highly restricted and often requires direct government approval, and Bolivia may restrict private exports in favor of state-controlled sales.

9. 9. Environmental and Ethical Compliance

Countries like Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia require exporters to prove that the gold was mined under environmental and labor compliance, especially when working with artisanal miners.

• Eco-certificates and labor condition reports may be needed.
• NGOs monitor for child labor, mercury use, and land exploitation.

10. Export Documentation Checklist

Across all countries, these are the minimum documents needed to export gold legally:

• Export license
• Gold origin certificate
• Assay report (purity & weight)
• Invoice and packing list
• Customs declaration form
• Payment receipts
• Environmental clearance (if required)

NOTE. Exporting gold from South America is highly profitable but comes with strict regulatory oversight. Compliance with export laws ensures smooth transactions, reduced risk, and stronger trust with international buyers.

To simplify the process, work with licensed exporters and facilitators familiar with each country’s legal and logistical frameworks. Exporting gold in south America

How to Avoid Scams When Exporting Gold from South America.

1. Work Only with Licensed Exporters & Refineries

Always verify that the seller and exporter are officially registered with local mining or trade authorities. Request export licenses and business certificates before any transaction.

2. Insist on Government-Backed Documentation

Always ensure every shipment includes legally recognized documents such as export permits, assay certificates, and safe-keeping receipts issued by mining ministries or customs departments.

2. Conduct On-Site Inspections or Use Local Agents

Whenever possible, send a trusted agent or use third-party inspectors to verify the quantity, purity, and packaging of gold before shipment, and this helps prevent substitution scams or shipment fraud.

4. Use Escrow or Secure Payment Channels

Avoid making full payments in advance, use escrow services or bank instruments (like SBLC or LC) that release funds only after gold has been tested and confirmed at the destination refinery. Exporting gold in south America

Common Export Challenges from South America & How to Avoid Them

1. Fake Export Documents

Some scammers provide forged export certificates or tampered assay reports, and always cross-check documents with the issuing authority (e.g., the Ministry of Mines or Customs).

2. Corrupt Brokers & Intermediaries

Many brokers operate without licenses or official recognition. always ask for references, verify their track record, and avoid anyone unwilling to provide traceable documentation or business IDs.

3. Inconsistent Gold Purity or Weights

Always gold from unknown sources may contain impurities or be underweight. make sure all shipments come with assay results from reputable, independent labs and that the shipment is verified again at your refinery.

4. Bribery Demands at Customs

Corruption at certain border points can delay shipments or inflate costs. Always partner with legal export agents who know the lawful clearance process and can navigate these barriers transparently.

5. Lack of Insurance During Transit

Gold shipped without proper insurance is at risk of theft, loss, or delay, and use air cargo services that provide secure, insured shipping with end-to-end tracking.

 Export Documentation Needed for Gold Trade in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia

1. Export License (Mining or Commercial)

Each exporter must be officially registered and hold a government-issued license permitting the export of precious metals. Exporting gold in south America

2. 2. Certificate of Origin

This document verifies the country where the gold was mined, helping comply with international trade rules and import restrictions.

3. 3. Assay Report or Lab Certification

Issued by a certified refinery or metallurgical lab, this report confirms the gold’s purity (typically 24K or 99.99%) and weight.

4. 4. Customs Declaration & Export Permit

Filed with the national customs authority (e.g., SUNAT in Peru, Receita Federal in Brazil), this shows that duties are paid and the export is approved.

5. Commercial Invoice & Packing List

An invoice detailing quantity, value, and buyer/seller information must accompany the physical shipment, along with a packaging manifest for customs clearance.

Step Guide to Transporting Gold from South America

1. Legal Documentation & Compliance Check

Before moving gold, always ensure all local and international paperwork (license, assay, customs clearance) is in order.

2. Secure Packaging & Registration

Gold must be packaged in sealed, tamper-proof containers and registered with customs and the airline cargo department.

3. Insurance & Value Declaration

The shipment must be fully insured with the declared value, and a certificate of insurance must be included in the transport documents.

4. Use of Accredited Cargo Handlers

Only licensed logistics companies (e.g., Brinks, Malca-Amit) should handle gold shipments, especially at airports and customs.

• Arrival & Assay at Destination Refinery

Once delivered to the buyer’s country, the gold is tested again at a certified refinery before final payment and ownership transfer. Exporting gold in south America

Top Gold Export Routes to the USA, Europe & Asia

1. Brazil (São Paulo GRU Airport) to USA (Miami International Airport)

Common for refined bars and investment-grade gold shipped to American refineries and vaults.

2. Peru (Lima Jorge Chávez Airport) to Switzerland (Zurich International Airport)

Switzerland remains a key destination for refining and trading South American gold.

3. Colombia (Bogotá El Dorado Airport) to UAE (Dubai International Airport)

Dubai is a major hub for physical gold trade, especially for 24K gold and nuggets. Exporting gold in south America

4. Brazil (São Paulo) to India (Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport)

India imports large quantities of South American gold for jewelry and investment purposes.

5. Peru to China (Shanghai Pudong Airport)

High-purity gold from Peru is increasingly being exported to Asia’s growing markets, especially China.

Trusted Gold Exporters in South America

1. Minera Yanacocha (Peru)

One of the largest and most established gold mining companies in Latin America, Yanacocha operates under strict legal and environmental standards and exports refined gold globally.

2. Gran Colombia Gold (Colombia)

A publicly traded company listed on international exchanges, Gran Colombia Gold is a reliable exporter dealing in high-purity gold bars and nuggets for investment and trade.

3. 3. PetroGold (Brazil)

Known for exporting both raw gold and refined bullion, PetroGold works closely with certified refiners and provides complete documentation for global buyers.

4. Cori Puno SAC (Peru)

This medium-scale licensed exporter is known for direct supply of 22K and 24K gold to traders in Asia, the USA, and the EU, with verified assay certificates.

5. Bolivar Gold Corp (Bolivia)

Operating under full legal compliance, Bolivar Gold is trusted by investors and dealers looking for competitive prices and secure export procedures from Bolivia.

 Ways to Find Licensed Gold Dealers in Peru, Colombia & Bolivia

1. Verify with the Government Mining Agencies

Always check official government portals like INGEMMET (Peru), ANM (Colombia), and AJAM (Bolivia) to confirm a dealer’s export license status. Exporting gold in south America

3. Request Legal Documents

Ask for essential paperwork like export licenses, tax ID numbers, and mining concessions, Genuine dealers will readily provide them.

4. Cross-check via Local Chambers of Commerce

National or regional chambers of commerce often list vetted companies engaged in legal gold trading and exporting.

4. Check Assay Partnerships

Reputable dealers work with internationally recognized refineries or assay labs. Request lab reports from firms like ALS or SGS.

5. Use Referrals or Third-Party Facilitators

Engage intermediaries like Gold Buyers Africa or international logistics providers who can connect you to verified sources in each country.

Conclusion:

Exporting gold from South America is a profitable venture when done right, with the proper documents, licensed dealers, and secure transport systems. Countries like Peru, Brazil, and Colombia offer legitimate, scalable opportunities for international buyers looking for 22K and 24K gold in nugget or bullion form. Whether you’re buying in bulk or starting small, always work with verified suppliers and follow each country’s gold export laws. Ready to start? Gold Buyers Africa and our regional partners are here to connect you to trusted gold exporters across South America.