BullionProtect
An innovative solution to safeguard bullion market integrity
Why BullionProtect®
Strict protocols and procedures are in place to ensure that banks and other stakeholders can source trustworthy gold from refineries with stipulated purity and controlled origin. Gold bullion carries company hallmarks as a signature of quality. Faked or counterfeit gold bars may carry reproductions of hallmarks, damaging the reputation of renowned manufacturers as well as compromising the integrity of the international gold market.
BullionProtect® is an integrated solution comprising a security seal and bespoke validation devices.
Swiss company SICPA, the leading provider of global security solutions for currencies, has jointly developed a technology-based security feature, BullionProtect®, with Metalor Technologies. In line with LBMA guidance, the solution enables all actors within the supply chain to authenticate precious metal products.
BullionProtect® is an LBMA accredited Gold Bar Security Feature
Under the Specifications for Security Features launched in 2020 , BullionProtect® is recognised by the LBMA as a Gold Bar Security Feature, part of the Gold Bar Integrity (GBI) initiative.
BullionProtect® is a security solution:
- Security built on proven technology with high counterfeit robustness;
- Simple and immediate verification of security seals even under suboptimal conditions , such as limited space, poor lighting and no internet connection;
- Integrated unique code (alphanumeric, 1D/2D barcode or QR code), readable by any smartphone;
- Compatible with existing and potential security measures without impairing gold purity at any stage of production, delivery, transaction and recycling;
- Versatile solution that can be customised into various colours and designs and scalable to different market needs and evolving demands;
- Cost-effective and time-effective - no impact on production procedures, only small cost adjustments, requiring minimal investment.
BullionProtect® verification
The security seal has inherent properties that can be unequivocally and instantly identified and verified through different authentication means.
The visual verification can be performed with a credit-card size validator that is easy-to-use. It takes only a few seconds to validate the security seal.
When viewed with the validator, this design label turns green under the left filter and the patterns brighten under the right filter.
The visual authentication can also be performed with a specific flashlight. This handheld device is well suited when lighting conditions are poor and for large volume verification. It takes only one minute to validate more than 100 security seals.
The blinking flashlight reveals, through two alternating beams, the same colour and pattern changes as with the credit-card size validator.
BullionProtect® is an all-inclusive security solution
To discover more about SICPA news and solutions in protecting products and brands, visit our website.
FAQ
You are referring to the BullionProtect® seal, a SICPA security feature with inherent properties which can be unequivocally and instantly identified and verified through different authentication means. It is designed to prevent faked or counterfeited gold bars to be mistaken for genuine ones.
While the presence of a genuine security seal indicates genuine bullion hallmark, the seal must be verified using one of the associated authentication means. For seal authentication devices, please contact your bullion refiner.
All BullionProtect® seals can be verified using the same authentication device.
The seal, unlike standard labels, is tamper-resistant and carries a negligible weight (<25mg). The exact weight depends on the design of the seal. The seal is applied on the bullion after its weight has been checked and graded.
There is no reason to be alarmed. While the seals are tamper-resistant, they may be scratched during transportation and handling.
The security seal is tamper-resistant, however, it can be removed delicately from the surface of the bullion by using a cutter, a Scotch-Brite or a metallic brush and cleaning up the surface with acetone. The robust seal, once removed, can be disposed of.
In the absence of the seal, the bullion can be part of a series without security seal, or the seal has been removed. The bar may therefore require further verification.
BullionProtect® seals use proprietary security inks developed by Swiss-based company SICPA SA on a range of international governmental records such as identity documents and passports. BullionProtect® is the first usage of the security ink technology directly on bullions. The technology has proven its counterfeit robustness on a range of state-related security applications.
The solution is highly versatile and the seal can be customised into various colours and designs.
Yes, the seal can be removed, however, BullionProtect® seals have been designed to make reusing the seal not only difficult but time-consuming as well.
SICPA is responsible for the supplies of BullionProtect® seals, the application on the bars can be performed via different options (manual or semi-automatic) to be arranged based on client’s specific setup.
There are no constraints on the use of BullionProtect®. The security feature is compatible with other security features from SICPA and as well as from other technology providers.
No. BullionProtect® can also be applied on other metal bullions of different sizes.