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Bullion

BullionProtect®

An innovative solution to safeguard bullion market integrity

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® verification

The security seal has inherent properties that can be unequivocally and instantly identified and verified through different authentication means.

BullionProtect® is an all-inclusive security solution

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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.