LBMA and LPPM Responsible Sourcing
Audit and verify the integrity of your global precious metals supply chains with approved ISAE 3000 practitioners
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What is LBMA and LPPM Responsible Sourcing?
LBMA and LPPM Responsible sourcing certifications for precious metals refiners and assayers is the best way to demonstrate compliance in global markets and establish integrity and confidence to investors and consumers. Global supply chains recognize the LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) and LPPM (London Platinum & Palladium Market) standards as vital to fight human rights abuses, money laundering, terrorist financing, and more.
SCS Global Services is a third-party assurance service provider approved to conduct LBMA and LPPM engagements for member refiners. Among current approved auditors, SCS auditors hold subject matter expertise on OECD Due Diligence Guidance, the Regulation (EU) 2017/821 of the European Parliament and the U.S. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. All Good Delivery refiners must engage in a third-party audit annually.
Why Choose SCS?
SCS is an approved global service provider of LBMA and LPPM with ISAE 3000 expertise and 30+ years of experience in sustainability and responsible sourcing certifications and standards development.
Our experts worldwide perform cost-effective due diligence assurance engagements so that you can meet the LBMA and LPPM Standard requirements, reduce risk in your supply chain, and be placed on the Good Delivery List for trading on the global OTC market.
SCS offers thorough assessments to reduce risk to your brand & supply chain and our assurance engagements help to inform areas of improvement for sustainable growth. With a global reputation of offering top-notch customer service, our dedicated program staff for LBMA and LPPM assurance engagements provide the most thorough and comprehensive certification process.
- FAQs
- Benefits
- Process
- Related Services
- Program Documents
What is the difference between LBMA and LPPM Certification?
LBMA (London Bullion Market Association) is for gold and silver and LPPM (London Platinum & Palladium Market) certification is for platinum and palladium.
Is SCS Global Services an approved service provider of LBMA and LPPM?
Yes, several members of our staff have completed the mandatory ISAE 3000 training for accreditation to perform LBMA and LPPM audits, and SCS is an approved service provider.
How long is my certificate valid?
A LPPM Certificate is valid for 3 years and an LBMA Certificate is valid for 3 years. Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain your certificate.
What are the costs and fees associated with certification?
Prices for SCS auditing services vary depending on the location, size and complexity of your operation. Please contact us for a custom quote and to determine if certification is right for you.
What sets SCS apart from other LBMA certification bodies?
In addition to LBMA and LPPM, SCS also conducts assessments for harmonized standards including the RMI and RJC.
Are LBMA and LPPM assurance engagements onsite or virtual?
Assurance engagements are conducted in-person; virtual audits are allowed under special circumstances and must be approved by the LBMA/LPPM.
We’re new to the certification process. Does SCS provide guidance on the LBMA and LPPMN certification requirements and certification process?
SCS currently does not provide guidance, however, the LBMA and LPPM offer toolkits to all members undergoing an assurance engagement.
Do we have to be members of LBMA/LPPM to become certified?
Yes, refiners must be Good Delivery approved and listed to become certified.
What is the Good Delivery List and how do we become part of it?
The LBMA and LPPM own and manage the Good Delivery Lists, requirements must be met regarding fince ounce weight, purity, marking and surface quality of good delivery bars.
What metals are in scope?
Refiners that produce gold and silver bars, or platinum and palladium plates and ingots.
How do I know if I need a reasonable or limited assurance engagement?
Generally, all initial engagements must be reasonable assurance. Limited assurance engagements are conducted every other year. Determination is subject to LBMA/LPPM directive.
Why achieve LBMA & LPPM certification?
- Achieve a certification report to show suppliers your commitment to responsibly sourced gold, silver, platinum or palladium
- Be recognized on the Good Delivery List and receive access to the Global OTC Market
- Demonstrate that your responsible processes are working toward overcoming human rights abuses, money laundering, terrorist financing, and more
- Display full transparency and credibility in the supply chain to improve collaboration
- Show continuous improvement of good practices and maintain certification for multiple years
- Become a Member of LBMA/LPPM
Ensure that you have LBMA or LPPM membership. To apply, visit http://www.lbma.org.uk/membership or https://www.lppm.com/contact/. - Select SCS as your Approved Service Provider
SCS will prepare a proposal for your approval with suggested scope of work, timeline and quote. If the proposal meets your needs, you sign a Work Order and schedule your assurance engagement. - On-site Assurance Engagement
The scope of activities is agreed upon in advance. During a site visit, an SCS practitioner will review the applicable metal supply chains and associated due diligence activities with the procedures and documents provided by the client (from receipt of inputs to final product). Additionally, the practitioner will tour the operations where certified material is handled and interview key staff. Stakeholder consultation is an integral part of the assessments. We look for evidence that staff has been duly trained in the responsibilities that have been assigned to them and that staff possess an understanding of the workflow for certified products. - Assessment Report
SCS provides an assurance report, which is submitted to an SCS Technical Associate who validates the appropriateness of the practitioner’s methodology and conclusions. The report is submitted to LBMA or LPPM’s Compliance Review Panel. - Certification Decision
Once corrective actions are implemented, the LBMA or LPPM Compliance Review Panel will take about a month to review and make a certification decision. If granted, you will be issued a certificate by the LBMA or LPPM. SCS can also provide client marketing support. - Maintain Certification
Certified companies are listed on the LBMA Good Delivery List or the LPPM Good Delivery List. Annual limited engagements are required to maintain certification.
What other certifications does SCS offer in addition to LBMA and LPPM?
As a sustainability focused company, SCS offers services in every industry for meeting your organization’s sustainability and responsible sourcing goals. Ask us how we can help you.
Services in minerals and metals
- Fairmined™ Gold
- Sustainable Diamonds
- Conflict Minerals Reporting
- IRMA Responsible Mining
- Responsible Minerals Initiative
- Life Cycle Assessment
- SMETA Social Audits
- Responsible Sourcing Strategies – such as consulting, advisory and verification services
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