Buying Gold Online from Africa: A Safety Checklist for U.S. Investors

You can buy investment-grade gold from Africa at a strong price. The key is working with a licensed exporter that proves origin, shows documents up front, and ships insured to your vault or address. Use this checklist to protect your money and cut through noise.

Live pricing: Quotes from $75,000 per kg for standard 1 kg cast bars when spot allows. Get a written quote with every fee in the Shop or talk to sales on Contact.
Spot indexed. Subject to KYC, availability, and route.


The short version

  • Always ask for a written quote that lists premium, shipping, insurance, and timing.
  • Confirm the seller is licensed and can supply a full export pack.
  • Verify metal with assay docs and serials for cast bars.
  • Pay the company bank account after beneficiary details are confirmed on a verified channel.
  • Ship insured and tracked, then store at a depository or secure safe.

U.S. buyer safety checklist

StepWhat to confirm
Seller identityLicensed exporter, company email, company bank account
QuoteLine items: premium, shipping, insurance, testing, any taxes
ProductPurity, weight, brand or bar type, serials for cast bars
Assay proofAssay card for minted bars, assay report for cast bars
PaperworkInvoice, export permits, certificate of origin where applicable
InsuranceDeclared value, policy reference available on request
CourierNamed courier, airway bill issued on dispatch
KYCYour onboarding complete to avoid delays
PaymentBank transfer to company account only, verified details
BrokerU.S. customs broker or depository pre-alerted with documents
TrackingAirway bill shared and monitored until delivery
RecordsKeep digital copies for intake and future resale

Step-by-step: U.S. import made simple

  1. Request a written quote
    We list product, purity, size, quantity, premium, shipping, insurance, delivery window, and courier.
  2. KYC and compliance
    Standard onboarding for both sides. This protects the shipment and speeds clearance.
  3. Verification of metal
    • Minted bars and many coins: sealed assay card
    • Cast bars: assay report and serial-numbered list
      Want an extra layer? Book independent checks through Lab Testing.
  4. Payment
    Bank transfer to the company account on your invoice. Confirm beneficiary details on a verified channel before you wire.
  5. Export documents
    Invoice, assay docs, serial list for cast bars, export permits, certificate of origin where applicable, insurance details, airway bill.
  6. Insured export and tracking
    Tamper-evident packing, declared value insurance, and tracking from pickup to delivery.
  7. Arrival and intake
    Your broker or depository receives the document pack in advance. Optional re-assay at destination. Handover and storage.

What you receive from us every time

  • Invoice
  • Assay card or assay report
  • Serial-numbered list for cast bars
  • Export permits and certificate of origin where applicable
  • Insurance details
  • Airway bill with tracking

Keep digital copies. They help at customs and protect resale value.


Timelines and popular routes

RouteTypical windowNotes
DRC to Dubai to U.S. depository4 to 9 working daysFast intake via hub
Uganda to Dubai to U.S. depository3 to 8 working daysStrong availability
Direct to U.S. depository (select corridors)5 to 10 working daysDepends on slot and testing

Your written quote confirms the export slot and delivery window.


Pricing basics: focus on total landed cost

Your final number equals spot per kg plus: premium, shipping, insurance, testing, payment fees, and any local tax. Compare dealers on the same SKU and the same shipping route. For worked examples on 1 kg bars, see 1 kg Gold Bar Price Today and Spot Price vs Final Price.


Red flags to avoid

  • Requests to pay an individual instead of the company
  • Missing serial list for cast bars
  • No assay documentation
  • No export permits, no insurance reference, or no airway bill
  • Vague timelines or routing that keeps changing

If any of these appear, pause and ask us to verify.


Why U.S. buyers choose Congo Rare Minerals

  • Direct sourcing at origin with aggregation in Goma
  • One of the largest licensed mining and buying operations in Goma by 2024 to 2025 volumes
  • Insured export to approved hubs and U.S. depositories
  • Independent testing available via Lab Testing
    See live inventory in the Shop or request this week’s export slots on Contact. For settlement or re-assay, see Refining. Read our policy on Responsible Mining.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Check your local rules and work with a qualified broker.


FAQ

Can individuals import bullion into the U.S.
Yes, when you work with a licensed exporter and a customs broker or depository that handles intake. We provide the document pack and insured courier.

How fast is delivery
Most routes land in 3 to 10 working days depending on testing and export slots. Your quote confirms the window and tracking.

Which products are best for liquidity
1 oz coins, 100 g and 250 g bars, and 1 kg bars. These units carry tight spreads and are widely recognized.

Can I verify the metal independently
Yes. Minted bars include an assay card. Cast bars ship with an assay report and serials. You can book independent tests through Lab Testing.