In order to align further with the CME Group, particularly for smaller sized bars, the LPPM has decided to make a minor change to the rules for Good Delivery bar, year of manufacture markings.
With effect from 1st October 2025, LPPM Good Delivery refiners will have the option to use either four digits or two digits to mark the year of manufacture of their Good Delivery bars.
Please see examples below:
Example, using letters for October 2025:
Date stamp on its own: Oct2025 or Oct25
Date stamp as prefix to the Reference number: Oct2025A001 or Oct25A001
Example, using numbers for October 2025:
Date stamp on its own: 102025 or 1025
Date stamp as prefix to the Reference number: 102025A001 or 1025A001
All other bar marking rules remain as previously:
Plates and ingots must be marked on the larger surface of the two main surfaces of the ingot. This is the surface that would normally be uppermost when the ingots are stacked. The marks should include the stamp of the refiner (which, if necessary for clear identification, should include its location), the assay mark (where used), the fineness, the serial number (which must not comprise of more than 12 digits or characters), the letters PT or PLATINUM or PD or PALLADIUM (as appropriate), the month and year of production and the weight in grams, kilograms or troy ounces. The month and year of manufacture should be shown as the month abbreviation (see Annex G) and the four or two-digit year number.
Marks should be clear and may be applied to plates or ingots either by using conventional stamping or by dot matrix (pneumatic punching), provided always that if pneumatic punching is used the marks must be no less clear and at least as durable as if conventional stamping had been used.
These new rules regarding bar markings will be revised and added to the website prior to the start date, along with annex G, the list of month abbreviations. Click here to see annex G.
If you have any questions, please contact John Fairley: john.fairley@lppm.com
John Cullen
Chairman - LPPM