Learn the New Gold Export Regulations in Africa 2025
Understanding gold export regulations in Africa is important for anyone looking to trade or invest in gold. With different laws and requirements across African countries, the process can be challenging. That’s where Gold Buyers Africa comes in, the leading company you can trust to guide you step by step through every legal and procedural requirement. Whether you’re an investor or trader, we ensure a seamless and compliant gold export process, helping you avoid legal pitfalls and maximize profits. Partner with us today for a smooth gold export experience!
Gold Export Regulations in Africa
1 Licensing Requirements for Exporters
Regulation: Individuals or companies exporting gold must obtain a gold export license from the relevant government authority, like the Minerals Commission in Ghana, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in Uganda. Like in Ghana: Exporters need a license from the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC). And in Uganda: Gold exporters must be registered with the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM). gold export regulations in Africa
2 Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Laws
Regulation: All exporters must adhere to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements to prevent illegal gold trade and financing of criminal activities. Like many African governments, they require gold exporters to verify the source of gold and provide detailed transaction records. Banks and financial institutions must report suspicious transactions related to gold trade. gold export regulations in Africa
3 Taxation and Export Duties
Regulation: Countries impose export taxes or royalties on gold shipments, which vary depending on government policies and whether the exporter is a large-scale or small-scale miner. For example, in Tanzania, there is a 6% royalty and a 1% clearing fee on gold exports, and in Ghana, there is a 5% royalty on gold exports for small-scale miners. gold export regulations in Africa
4 Central Bank Approval for Exports
Regulation: Some countries require gold exporters to sell a portion of their gold to the central bank before exporting the rest and the governments manage foreign exchange reserves like in Zimbabwe: Gold must be sold through Fidelity Printers & Refiners, the country’s sole authorized buyer and in Ethiopia, the central bank has the first right of purchase on locally mined gold. gold export regulations in Africa
5 Certificate of Origin Requirement
Regulation: To prevent conflict gold trade all exporters must provide a Certificate of Origin to verify that the gold was mined legally and ethically like as some countries that follow the OECD Due Diligence Guidance require proof that gold was not mined in conflict zones and the Kimberley Process Certification applies to diamonds but has inspired similar documentation for gold.
- Export Permits and Customs Declarations
Regulation: Gold exporters must obtain an export permit from the mining authority and declare shipments at customs for verification as in South Africa all exporters must apply for a Customs Declaration Form (SAD500) for each shipment, and in Ghana, gold must be inspected and certified by the PMMC before export.
7 Prohibition of Hand-Carrying Gold Without Clearance
Regulation: Carrying large amounts of gold across borders without official clearance is illegal in most African countries, like in Kenya & Uganda. Authorities have cracked down on individuals smuggling gold in luggage or through private jets, and exporters must use registered logistics companies to ship gold legally.
8 Environmental and Sustainability Compliance
Regulation: Gold mining companies and exporters must adhere to environmental regulations to ensure responsible mining and rehabilitation of mining areas, like in Ghana the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces sustainable mining policies and DR Congo & Sudan, international regulations discourage the export of artisanal gold due to links to illegal mining and deforestation.
9 Trade Agreements and Restrictions
Regulation: Some African countries have export restrictions or trade agreements that affect where and how gold can be sold. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to reduce tariffs on intra-African trade and some countries ban gold exports to specific nations due to trade sanctions.
10 Use of Registered Gold Refiners
Regulation: Some countries require that gold be processed in government-approved refineries before export to ensure quality and prevent smuggling. like in Uganda, Gold must be refined at African Gold Refinery (AGR) before export and South Africa, the government encourages refining through Rand Refinery to boost local value addition.
NOTE. Understanding gold export regulations is important for legal and profitable transactions in Africa. Exporters must ensure proper licensing, compliance with AML laws, payment of taxes, and use of secure logistics.
Process for Exporting Gold Legally from Africa
Exporting gold from Africa requires compliance with local laws, licensing requirements, and proper documentation, and these are is a step-by-step process to ensure legal and smooth gold exports. gold export regulations in Africa
1 Obtain a Gold Export License
Before exporting gold, you must acquire an export license from the relevant government authority in the country of origin, and these are the requirements for a Gold Export License
1 Business registration with the government
2 Proof of legal gold sourcing (mine ownership or purchase records)
3 Tax clearance certificate
4 Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws
These are some Authorities Issuing Gold Export Licenses in different countries in Ghana: Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Uganda: Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM), and in South Africa: South African Revenue Service (SARS)
2 Secure Necessary Documentation
To legally export gold, you must obtain various documents proving ownership, compliance, and tax payments, and these are the Key Documents for Gold Export in Africa
1 Gold Export Permit (issued by the mining or trade ministry)
2 Certificate of Origin (ensures gold is not from conflict zones)
3 Assay Report (certifies gold purity and weight)
4 Customs Declaration Form (declares shipment details)
5 Tax Payment Receipts (prove all duties and royalties are paid)
Like in Ghana all exporters must get an Assay Report from the PMMC to verify gold purity before shipping. gold export regulations in Africa
3 Pay Taxes, Duties, and Royalties
Most African countries impose export taxes and royalties on gold shipments, and these fees must be paid before export approval and these are some of the common gold export charges
1 Royalties: it is usually 3%–6% of the gold’s value
2 Export Duty: these changes depend on the country, like in Tanzania, they charge 1%
3 Processing Fees: This fee is for documentation and customs clearance
like In Tanzania, gold exporters pay 6% royalty + 1% clearing fee before exporting.
4 Arrange Secure Transportation & Customs Clearance
Gold must be transported using approved logistics providers to prevent theft and ensure compliance with customs regulations. These are some of the gold export Logistics processes in Africa
1 Package gold securely according to customs guidelines
2 Transport through registered security firms like Brinks, G4S.
3 Declare gold at customs and present all required documents
4 Obtain customs clearance before shipping
In South Africa requires exporters are required to submit a Customs Declaration Form (SAD500) before gold can leave the country.
5 Comply with International Trade Regulations
Gold exporters must follow world trade laws to prevent illegal trade and financial crime, and these are some of the international Regulations to follow:
1 OECD due Diligence Guidance helps to ensure responsible gold sourcing.
2 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Laws that Prevent Illicit Gold Trade.
3 FATF Regulations, the Financial Action Task Force guidelines for transparency, like some banks may require an LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) certification before processing gold export payments.
Note: Exporting gold legally from Africa requires proper licensing, tax compliance, and secure transportation and failure to follow regulations can result in seizures, fines, or export bans.
How to Obtain a Gold Export Certificate in Africa
A Gold Export Certificate is a mandatory document issued by government authorities to verify that gold being exported is legally sourced and meets all regulatory requirements and these are key steps to obtain a Gold Export Certificate in Africa.
1 Register as a Licensed Gold Exporter
Before applying for a Gold Export Certificate, you must register with the relevant mining or trade authority in the country of export, and these are the requirements for Registration:
- Business registration certificate
- Valid gold export license
- Proof of tax compliance
- Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws
In Ghana, gold exporters must be licensed by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) before applying for an export certificate, and in Uganda, all exporters register with the Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM).
2 Obtain an Assay Report for Gold Purity Certification
Gold must be tested (assayed) by a government-approved laboratory to verify its purity before an export certificate is issued, and this is the process of how to get an Assay Report
1 Submit a sample of the gold to an authorized assay office.
2 The gold is tested for purity, like 24K, 22K, and 18K.
3 An official Assay Report is issued, which is required for export certification.
In Tanzania, gold must be assayed by the Tanzania Minerals Audit Agency (TMAA), and in Ghana, the PMMC conducts purity testing before issuing an export certificate.
3 Apply for a Gold Export Permit & Certificate
Once the assay report is obtained, you must apply for a Gold Export Certificate to the relevant government body, and these are the steps to follow, as well as the required Documents
- Assay Report for gold purity certification
- Export license
- Tax clearance certificate
- Proof of gold purchase (receipts/invoices)
- Identity documents (for individuals) or company registration (for businesses)
In South Africa, all exporters must apply for a Customs Declaration (SAD500) and an Export Permit from the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
4 Pay Export Duties & Compliance Fees
Before the Gold Export Certificate is issued, all exporters must pay export duties, taxes, and processing fees as required by the country’s regulations, and these are some of the Common Fees like Gold royalty tax like 3%–6% of the gold value, Export duty like 1%–2% of gold value and Assay and certification fees
Like in Zimbabwe, all gold exporters pay a 2% export tax before obtaining an export certificate, and in Ghana, a 5% royalty fee must be paid before the export permit is issued.
Note: To legally export gold from Africa, you must register as an exporter, obtain an assay report, apply for an export certificate, pay required taxes, and each country has its own process, but these steps are key for securing a Gold Export Certificate.
Understanding gold export regulations in Africa requires expertise and a trusted partner to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Gold Buyers Africa is here to guide you step by step to ensure a smooth and secure gold export process. With our in-depth knowledge of African gold markets and regulations, we help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your investment. Trust us to handle your gold export needs professionally and efficiently. Contact us today and start exporting gold with confidence!