Updated Good Delivery Rules and Procedures for GDL Applications - 2026

These changes are designed to enhance the quality and integrity of our processes. An enhanced rule change consultation is scheduled for 2027.

Work was carried out this year on the GDL application process and Good Delivery Rules.

Thank you to all the Refiners who responded to our consultation on QR Codes on London Good Delivery bars. There was no rule change in this respect and the QR code rule is not to be introduced.

Good Delivery Rule Changes

Prohibiting the use of Cyrillic lettering in serial numbers.

Good Delivery Rules, section 2.1.5 Marks:

“Non-roman lettering is prohibited in serial numbers, MMYY and fineness markings. Non-roman lettering may be allowed in logos and marks to satisfy national standards”.

PAM timeline – further tightening of the rules around extensions.

Good Delivery Rules, section 4.3 Proactive Monitoring:

“Extensions may be granted. See Annex D”.

Annex D

“The LBMA Executive will send a notification letter via email to the LBMA contact at the Refiner, informing them that Proactive Monitoring (PAM) of their gold and/or silver production is to take place. The Refiner must acknowledge receipt of the notification email within 10 working days.

All Refiners must undergo PAM every three years. This three-year cycle is measured from the date the Refiner receives the notification letter, not from the date the previous PAM was completed.

Refiners must complete all aspects of the PAM programme within six months of receiving the notification letter. 

An extension to this timeframe may be granted at the discretion of the LBMA Executive. 

Failure to complete the programme within the required timeframe may impact the Refiner’s Good Delivery status”.

A new Rule to ensure stamps and markings are at least 10 mm from the edge of a bar.

Good Delivery Rules, section 2.1.5 Marks:

“All stamps and markings to be at least 10mm from the edge of a bar”.

Line drawings in Annex E to be updated to include the new Rule.

For top of the bar marking (not end of the bar) – “Only top of the bar”

New Rule to apply to all new bar changes and GDL Applicants from 1 January 2026. The Rule does not apply to existing Good Delivery bars. Current Good Delivery Refiners will be asked to make changes as part of future bar change requests.

GDL Refiners are required to undergo periodic compliance and Responsible Sourcing reviews if requested.

Good Delivery Rules, section 5.3.2:

“GDL Refiners are required to undergo periodic compliance and Responsible Sourcing reviews if requested”.

Clarification on the use of PAM moulds.

Clarification:

Good Delivery Rules, Annex D, section 2.2, paragraph (1) not a rule change, a clarification that Refiners may use their own moulds for the purpose of PAM.