Mali Gold Export Rules: Licences, Permits & Documents

Exporting gold from Mali requires compliance with the country’s mining laws, precious metals regulations, export authorisation procedures, and customs requirements. Companies and traders cannot legally export commercial gold simply because they have purchased it from a mine or local supplier. They must establish the gold’s legal origin, use the appropriate authorised export channel, obtain the required approvals, and complete customs clearance before shipment.

Mali’s gold export framework is particularly important for international buyers because the country introduced significant mining reforms under the 2023 Mining Code and established the Office Malien des Substances Précieuses (OMASP) in April 2026. OMASP has a central role in regulating and exporting gold from artisanal and small-scale mining operations.

The rules also distinguish between gold produced by industrial mining companies and gold originating from artisanal or small mines. Understanding this distinction is essential when sourcing gold from Mali, verifying an exporter, preparing shipment documents, or arranging international delivery.

This guide explains Mali’s gold export regulations, exporter authorisation, export permits, gold assay requirements, customs procedures, traceability obligations, and compliance checks. It focuses on the legal export process rather than tax rates and calculations. For the fiscal side, see our separate guide to Mali Gold Export Tax.

Mali Gold Export Rules: Who Can Export Gold and What Is Required?

Mali regulates gold exports through its mining, trade, precious metals, and customs framework. The applicable requirements depend on the origin of the gold, the type of mining operation, the form of the gold, and the legal category of the exporter.

A critical development is the creation of OMASP, which is responsible for overseeing the commercialisation of precious substances, particularly gold from artisanal and small-scale mining.

1. Understand Mali’s Gold Export Regulatory Authorities

Several government institutions have responsibilities relating to gold production, commercialisation, export authorisation, and customs clearance.

Office Malien des Substances Précieuses (OMASP)

OMASP is Mali’s public precious substances office, established by Ordinance No. 2026-013/PT-RM of 10 April 2026.

Its responsibilities include:

Buying, selling, and exporting precious substances originating from artisanal and small-scale mining.
Regulating and monitoring the commercialisation of precious metals.
Processing and following applications for approvals for gold purchasing and export counters.
Supervising gold sorting, weighing, and purity testing.
Supporting the refining and processing of gold.
Ensuring traceability and certification of assayed gold bars intended for export.
Working with approved private purchasing counters and collectors.

Under Article 3 of the establishing ordinance, OMASP is the sole authorised exporter of precious substances originating from artisanal gold panning and small mines.

The Malian government announced that OMASP entered its operational phase following its inaugural board meeting on 7 October 2026. This makes it particularly important for exporters and buyers dealing in artisanal and small-scale gold to verify the current procedures directly with the office.

Ministry of Mines

The Ministry of Mines oversees Mali’s mining sector and the implementation of the country’s mining legislation.

Its responsibilities include mining policy, mining rights, supervision of mining activities, and the regulatory framework governing mineral production.

Industrial mining operations must comply with their applicable mining titles, agreements, and regulatory obligations when selling and exporting gold.

Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the DGCC

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce supervises OMASP. The Direction Générale du Commerce et de la Concurrence (DGCC) has also featured in Mali’s established gold export authorisation procedures.

The DGCC’s responsibilities include trade regulation and the processing of relevant commercial approvals.

Because the OMASP framework changes the institutional arrangements for artisanal and small-scale gold, traders should confirm which approvals are currently issued or processed through OMASP and the DGCC before starting an export transaction.

Mali Customs Administration

The Direction Générale des Douanes is responsible for customs control and export clearance.

Customs officials verify export declarations, supporting documents, shipment details, and compliance with applicable export procedures before gold is allowed to leave Mali.

2. Mali’s 2023 Mining Code and Its Effect on Gold Exports

Mali adopted Law No. 2023-040 of 29 August 2023, establishing a revised Mining Code. Its implementing decree, No. 2024-0396/PT-RM, was adopted on 9 July 2024.

The legislation strengthened the country’s mining regulatory framework and introduced changes affecting mining rights, state participation, local content, and the supervision of mineral production.

For gold exporters, the important consideration is that legal ownership and export eligibility must be connected to the applicable mining rights and commercialisation arrangements.

The Mining Code also operates alongside the 2026 OMASP legislation, which introduced a dedicated public institution for precious substances from artisanal and small-scale mining.

Exporters should therefore distinguish between:

Gold originating from industrial mining operations.
Gold originating from artisanal mining.
Gold originating from small-scale mining.
Gold jewellery and other manufactured precious metal objects.

These categories may follow different approval and commercialisation procedures.

3. Who Is Legally Allowed to Export Gold from Mali?

The right to export gold from Mali depends on the gold’s source and the applicable regulatory authorisation.

Artisanal and small-scale mining gold

Under the April 2026 ordinance, OMASP is the sole authorised exporter of precious substances originating from artisanal gold panning and small mines.

Private traders and purchasing counters cannot assume that a general business registration or commercial agreement gives them independent authority to export this category of gold.

They must operate within the applicable OMASP framework and obtain the relevant approvals.

Industrial mining gold

Industrial mining companies operate under mining titles and agreements governed by Mali’s Mining Code and related regulations.

Their gold production and export arrangements must comply with the applicable mining, commercial, financial, and customs requirements.

The exclusive export mandate established for OMASP under Article 3 specifically refers to precious substances from artisanal and small mines. It should not automatically be interpreted as covering every industrial mining shipment.

Gold jewellery and manufactured gold objects

Gold jewellery and other manufactured precious metal objects may be subject to a different authorisation category.

Mali’s precious substances framework recognises export activities involving jewellery and gold art objects. Exporters should confirm the relevant approval and documentation requirements before shipping these products.

4. Gold Export Licence and Authorisation Requirements in Mali

A company intending to participate in Mali’s gold export market must establish its legal eligibility and obtain the approvals applicable to its activity.

Traditional gold export procedures have included approval to operate a gold purchasing and export counter, known as an agrément pour ouvrir un comptoir d’achat et d’exportation d’or.

The Mali Trade Portal identifies the following requirements within its published gold export procedure:

Company registration documents.
Commercial registration certificate (RCCM).
Tax identification number (NIF).
Import-export business authorisation or patent.
National identification registration (NINA), where applicable.
Banking guarantee documentation.
Relevant gold purchasing and export counter approval.
Technical authorisation and supporting documentation.

However, these published procedures should not be treated as a complete statement of the post-OMASP requirements. The 2026 institutional reform means that traders must confirm the current application process and the validity of older approvals directly with the competent authorities.

Important: A general business licence, mining permit, or gold purchase receipt is not automatically an export authorisation. The exporter must have the specific legal authority required for the gold’s source and commercial category.

5. Gold Assay and Purity Certification Before Export

Gold assay certification is an important part of Mali’s export compliance process.

An assay establishes the precious metal content of a gold shipment and helps confirm that its declared purity corresponds with the actual material being exported.

The testing process generally involves:

Presenting the gold to the competent or approved testing facility.
Weighing and recording the gold.
Sampling the material for analysis.
Determining its gold content and fineness.
Issuing the relevant assay or titrage certificate.
Matching the certification details to the shipment documentation.

The assay certificate should identify the tested material and provide sufficient information to connect the results with the export consignment.

For refined gold bars, relevant information may include:

Gross weight.
Fine gold content.
Purity or fineness.
Bar identification or serial number, where applicable.
Testing authority or laboratory.
Certificate reference number.
Date of testing.

OMASP’s establishing ordinance specifically assigns the office responsibilities for sorting, assaying, traceability, and certification of gold bars intended for export.

International buyers should also understand the importance of independent verification. Our guide to Gold Assay Certificates explains how to assess purity reports and identify inconsistencies in gold certification.

6. Export Intention and Shipment Authorisation

Mali’s established gold export procedures include a document known as the intention d’exportation, or export intention.

This document records the proposed export transaction and provides information to the administrative institutions involved in controlling the shipment.

Depending on the applicable procedure, it may identify:

The exporter.
The destination country.
The quantity of gold.
The declared value.
The shipment details.
The relevant commercial and banking information.

The export intention helps coordinate the work of the trade administration, customs, financial institutions, and other authorities.

The current approval route must be confirmed for each gold category, particularly following the introduction of OMASP.

An export intention should not be confused with final customs clearance or permission to dispatch the shipment. It is one component of the wider export procedure.

7. Documents Required to Export Gold from Mali

A legal gold export requires supporting documents that establish the legitimacy, ownership, origin, value, purity, and movement of the gold.

The exact documentation depends on the gold category and the current instructions of the relevant authorities.

For a commercial gold export, the documentation file may include:

Document	Purpose
Exporter registration and approval	Establishes the exporter’s legal status
Applicable export authorisation	Confirms permission to export the gold
Mining or sourcing records	Establishes the legal origin of the gold
Assay or titrage certificate	Confirms gold purity and tested weight
Certificate of origin	Identifies the declared country of origin
Commercial invoice	Records the seller, buyer, value, and quantity
Sales and purchase agreement	Establishes the transaction terms
Packing list or bar list	Identifies the shipment contents
Export intention, where required	Records the proposed export transaction
Customs export declaration	Declares the goods to customs
Evidence of applicable tax and royalty compliance	Supports fiscal clearance
Transport documentation	Records the international shipment
Insurance certificate	Documents shipment insurance

Not every document in this list is issued by the same authority, and not every item applies identically to all gold categories.

The documents should agree on the exporter, quantity, weight, purity, origin, destination, and shipment reference.

For a broader explanation of international paperwork, read our Gold Export Procedures in Africa guide.

8. Customs Clearance for Gold Exports from Mali

Obtaining the appropriate mining or commercial approval does not remove the requirement to complete customs procedures.

Gold shipments must be declared to the Malian Customs Administration and processed through the applicable export clearance system.

The general process involves:

Preparing the customs declaration

The exporter or appointed customs representative prepares the export declaration with the relevant shipment and commercial details.

Submitting supporting documents

The supporting file may include the export authorisation, assay certificate, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, and other documents required for the specific shipment.

Physical inspection and verification

Customs authorities may inspect the gold and compare the physical shipment with the declared weight, quantity, packaging, and supporting documents.

Customs assessment and release

The relevant customs formalities must be completed before the shipment receives the necessary release or dispatch authorisation.

International dispatch

After regulatory and customs clearance, the exporter can arrange secure transport using an appropriate carrier and shipping route.

Gold should never be dispatched on the assumption that an application, preliminary approval, or commercial agreement is sufficient.

9. Gold Traceability and Responsible Sourcing Requirements

Traceability is increasingly important in Mali’s gold export sector.

The government established OMASP partly to improve oversight of precious metal commercialisation, strengthen gold traceability, and reduce illicit trading channels.

International buyers, refiners, banks, and precious metal dealers also expect suppliers to demonstrate that gold comes from legitimate sources.

A responsible gold sourcing process should establish:

The mine or legally recognised source of the gold.
The identity of the producer or supplier.
The applicable mining or commercial authorisation.
The ownership and purchase history of the gold.
The gold’s weight and purity.
The export approval and customs documentation.
The identities of relevant transaction parties.

Buyers should not rely exclusively on a certificate of origin. It is important to examine the wider sourcing records and establish whether the gold can be traced back through the supply chain.

Read our detailed guide to Gold Traceability: How Gold Moves from Mine to Market for more information about mine-to-market documentation.

10. Anti-Money Laundering and Buyer Verification

Gold is a high-value commodity that can be used to conceal proceeds from illegal mining, smuggling, fraud, and other financial crimes.

Exporters and international buyers should therefore apply appropriate Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks.

A compliant transaction should establish the identity and legitimacy of the parties involved.

Exporter verification

Before entering into a purchase agreement, verify:

The registered name of the exporting company.
Its commercial registration.
Its applicable mining or export authorisation.
Its tax identification details.
The authority responsible for approving the shipment.

Supplier verification

The supplier should be able to explain where the gold originated and provide records supporting its legal acquisition.

Buyer verification

International buyers may be required to provide identification, company registration documents, beneficial ownership information, and source-of-funds information, depending on the transaction and applicable AML requirements.

Payment verification

Use traceable banking channels and ensure payment details correspond with the contracting parties. Avoid undocumented cash transactions and payments to unrelated third parties.

Our guide to Legal Requirements to Buy Gold Bars from Africa explains the compliance checks international gold buyers should complete before purchasing.

11. Can Travellers Carry Gold Out of Mali?

Mali’s Customs Administration publishes a limited exception for travellers carrying gold objects.

According to its published guidance, the export of gold objects by travellers does not require prior authorisation when the weight does not exceed 500 grams.

However, this provision should not be interpreted as permission to carry commercial gold bullion, doré, raw gold, or investment bars out of Mali without the required export documentation.

Travellers should distinguish between personal gold objects and commercial precious metal shipments.

Anyone carrying gold should confirm the applicable declaration, ownership, and customs requirements before travelling.

For further information, read our guide to Travelling with Gold: Export and Airport Rules.

12. What Happens If Gold Is Exported Illegally from Mali?

Exporting gold without the required authorisation or customs documentation can expose the exporter and other parties involved to serious legal and financial consequences.

Depending on the offence and applicable legislation, possible consequences include:

Seizure or detention of the gold.
Confiscation of illegally exported minerals.
Administrative penalties.
Suspension or cancellation of relevant authorisations.
Financial investigations.
Criminal prosecution.
Restrictions on future trading activities.

The use of forged assay certificates, false declarations, concealed gold shipments, or misleading origin documents can create additional legal exposure.

International buyers should also recognise that purchasing gold from an unverified supplier can expose them to customs problems and investigations in the destination country.

Read our article on Gold Export Penalties in Africa to understand the risks of non-compliant gold transactions.

13. How International Buyers Can Verify Gold from Mali Before Payment

International buyers should conduct due diligence before transferring money for gold sourced from Mali.

A seller’s claims about having access to a mine or government contacts are not proof of legal export eligibility.

Before committing to a purchase, buyers should:

Confirm whether the gold originates from an industrial mine, artisanal operation, or small mine.
Establish which authority regulates the export category.
Verify the exporter’s legal status and applicable approval.
Confirm that the source of the gold is documented.
Request an assay or titrage certificate.
Check that the commercial invoice matches the proposed shipment.
Verify the applicable export and customs documents.
Confirm that the shipment can be transported through an authorised logistics arrangement.
Conduct KYC and AML checks on the seller and other transaction parties.
Verify the documentation independently before releasing payment.

Buyers should also confirm the import requirements of their destination country. Legal export from Mali does not automatically guarantee admission into another country.

For additional guidance, explore our Gold Export Regulations in Africa guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mali Gold Export Rules

Is gold export legal in Mali?

Yes. Gold export is legal when conducted through the authorised channels and in accordance with Mali’s mining, precious substances, trade, and customs regulations. The applicable export procedure depends on the source and category of gold.

Who is authorised to export artisanal gold from Mali?

Under Article 3 of Ordinance No. 2026-013/PT-RM, OMASP is the sole authorised exporter of precious substances originating from artisanal gold panning and small mines.

What is OMASP in Mali?

OMASP stands for Office Malien des Substances Précieuses. It is a public institution established in April 2026 to regulate and oversee the commercialisation of gold and other precious substances, particularly those originating from artisanal and small-scale mining.

Can a private company export gold from Mali?

Private companies may participate in the regulated gold supply and commercialisation chain, subject to the applicable authorisations. However, private traders cannot independently export artisanal and small-mine gold outside OMASP’s exclusive export mandate.

Is an export permit required for Mali gold exports?

Commercial gold exports require the applicable official authorisation and export documentation. The precise permit or approval route depends on the source of the gold and its legal category.

What documents are needed to export gold from Mali?

Depending on the transaction, documents may include exporter approval, sourcing records, assay certification, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, export intention, customs declaration, evidence of fiscal compliance, and transport documents.

Is an assay certificate required for exporting gold from Mali?

Gold purity certification is an important part of Mali’s export control framework. The competent authority or approved testing facility must carry out the applicable weighing and assay procedures and issue the required certification.

Can foreigners buy gold in Mali?

Foreign buyers may participate in legitimate gold transactions subject to the applicable commercial, mining, and financial regulations. They should verify the seller’s authorisation, the origin of the gold, and the legal export route before making payment.

Can I export gold from Mali without a licence?

Commercial gold cannot legally be exported simply on the basis of ownership or a purchase receipt. The appropriate export authorisation and customs documentation are required. The limited traveller exception for certain gold objects should not be treated as an exemption for commercial bullion shipments.

Does Mali require a certificate of origin for gold exports?

A certificate of origin is an important document in international gold transactions and may be required within the applicable export and customs documentation package. Buyers should confirm the current requirements for the particular shipment.

What is the difference between Mali gold export rules and Mali gold export tax?

Gold export rules explain who can legally export gold, which authorities grant approvals, what documents are required, and how customs clearance works. Gold export tax concerns the fiscal charges, royalties, and other government payments associated with gold production and export. For the latter, see our dedicated Mali Gold Export Tax guide.

Conclusion: Follow Mali’s Gold Export Regulations Before Trading

Mali’s gold export framework is becoming more structured, particularly following the 2023 Mining Code reforms and the establishment of OMASP in 2026.

For gold originating from artisanal and small-scale mining, OMASP now has the exclusive legal export mandate. Other categories, including industrial mine production and manufactured gold objects, must follow their applicable regulatory and customs procedures.

For international buyers, the most important safeguards are verifying the gold’s origin, confirming the exporter’s legal authority, obtaining valid assay documentation, checking the export approvals, and ensuring that the shipment clears customs correctly.

At Buy Gold Bars Africa, we emphasise documented sourcing, verified gold purity, regulatory compliance, and secure international delivery. Buyers considering African gold should always establish the legal export route and verify the supporting documentation before making payment.

Contact Buy Gold Bars Africa to discuss documented African gold supply, export compliance, and international bullion sourcing.