Investment-grade gold
Investment-grade gold is the legal category of gold bullion that qualifies for VAT exemption in the EU: bars and coins of ≥99.5% purity (gold) or ≥99.9% (specific silver products), in standard weights, minted after 1800. The category is defined by EU Directive 2006/112/EC, Article 346.
The EU VAT exemption for investment gold is one of the structural reasons gold is competitive against fiat savings: no 20% friction at purchase. The category covers most modern sovereign coins and LBMA-refined bars.
Outside the EU, similar carve-outs exist: Switzerland 0% VAT on investment gold, UAE 0%, Singapore 0% GST on IPM (Investment Precious Metals), Australia 0% GST on ≥99.5% gold. Silver does not enjoy the same global exemption — most countries levy VAT or sales tax on silver.
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Related terms
Fineness is the purity of a precious metal item, expressed as parts per thousand. A 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf at .9999 fineness is 99.99% pure gold. Investment-grade gold for VAT exemption in the EU must be ≥99.5% fine (995/1000). Common levels: .999, .9999, .99999.
A sovereign coin is a bullion coin issued by a national government with legal-tender status and a face value. Examples: American Eagle, Canadian Maple Leaf, British Britannia, Austrian Philharmonic, South African Krugerrand. Sovereign coins are universally recognized and easier to resell than private bars.
Investment-grade gold is VAT-exempt in the EU, UK, Switzerland, UAE, Singapore, and Australia. Silver is generally VAT-taxable (19–25% in EU, 20% UK, 8.1% CH, 0% on Singapore IPM, 0% UAE). Buyers are responsible for any import VAT at destination — Ounceo ships with accurate customs declarations.