Anti-Money Laundering for the Precious Metals, Jewellery & Art Trade
Gold, gemstones, jewellery and art retain their value, are easy to transport and can be resold anonymously – which is exactly what makes them attractive to money launderers. The legislator has therefore set particularly low thresholds for these industries.
Thresholds at a glance
| Business | Obligations from |
|---|---|
| Trading in precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum | Cash payments of €2,000 or more |
| Trading in other goods, e.g. jewellery, watches, gemstones | Cash payments of €10,000 or more |
| Trading, brokering or storing works of art | Transactions of €10,000 or more – regardless of the payment method |
| Any transaction with grounds for suspicion | Always, regardless of the amount |
Once a threshold is reached, risk management (risk assessment, internal safeguards) and the general due diligence obligations apply. Where trading in high-value goods is the main activity, the supervisory authority should also order the appointment of an AML officer (Section 7(3) GwG).
Typical risks
- Purchasing scrap gold or jewellery of unclear origin (also a risk of handling stolen goods)
- Splitting cash purchases just below €2,000 or €10,000
- Art purchases via intermediaries, freeports or offshore companies
- Conspicuous valuations and quick resales
- Links to sanctioned persons or high-risk countries
Outlook 2027: Under the EU Anti-Money Laundering Regulation, a cash limit of €10,000 applies from 10 July 2027; for dealers in certain high-value goods, identification obligations are planned from €3,000 in cash.
Organising purchasing and sales in a legally sound way
Together we develop lean processes for identification, source checks and documentation.
Book a no-obligation initial consultationYour contact person
Alen Gruber
Certified Corporate Compliance Specialist
External AML Officer