The Ministry of Science and Technology is seeking public feedback on a draft circular. This circular proposes new regulations for the inspection and quality management of jewelry gold, gold bars, and raw gold.

The Economic Security Department (Ministry of Public Security) contributed to the draft, proposing mandatory inspection by designated organizations for all scales used in gold transactions. The department emphasized that scales are measuring instruments requiring annual certification.

The drafting agency incorporated this suggestion into the latest version of the draft circular. It now mandates that all gold scales used for buying and selling must undergo inspection by designated organizations and possess valid certification.

Gold bar transactions at SJC Nguyen Thi Minh Khai on God of Wealth Day, 2026. *Thanh Tung*

The draft circular also outlines specific grading rules for jewelry and fine art gold, based on either purity or gold content. When classifying by Karat (K), products will be assigned to the next lower grade than their actual measured value. For instance, 21,5K gold would be categorized as 21K. If the gold content is declared as a percentage, the actual value (e.g., 78% or 780) must be stated precisely, without rounding up to a higher figure.

For products comprising multiple main components with varying gold content, the lowest gold content part will determine the overall grade. Manufacturers must also clearly declare the composition of any solder materials or auxiliary parts.

The draft further stipulates that imported gold bars and raw gold must contain 99,5% gold or more. Throughout their manufacturing, import, and market circulation, these products must consistently maintain an actual gold content that meets or exceeds declared standards.

Furthermore, organizations or individuals involved in the production, processing, or import of jewelry gold, gold bars, and raw gold must self-declare the applicable standards for products circulating in the market. This declaration can be made via:packagingproduct labels (including electronic labels)accompanying documentsin-store listingspublication on websites and other digital platforms, ensuring easy consumer access.