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Egypt is studying the adoption of laser marking systems for gold jewelry, drawing on the experience of countries such as Türkiye, as part of efforts to modernize oversight of the gold market, the minister of supply and internal trade said Monday.
Sherif Farouk, the Egyptian minister of supply and internal trade, confirmed that the ministry is studying the possibility of adopting laser marking systems for gold jewelry.
In televised statements, the minister explained that the current hand-stamping method relies on a manual process, using a tool to imprint directly onto the gold piece.
"The ministry is reviewing the experiences of countries such as Türkiye and Italy in using laser hallmarking," he said.
The move is part of efforts to modernize the operations of the Egyptian Stamp and Weights Authority and regulate the gold market in Egypt.
The method can sometimes result in scratches or damage to new jewelry, especially delicate pieces or those with intricate designs, which has led to complaints from both traders and consumers.
The minister’s statements came in response to rumors circulating in recent months about the presence of counterfeit gold in the Egyptian market.
The claims emerged amid fluctuations in gold prices and rising demand for gold as a safe haven, without being backed by confirmed reports or official evidence.
The Ministry of Supply, through the Egyptian Stamp and Weights Authority, said no systematic cases of counterfeiting have been detected in Egypt, stressing that the authority is the sole body legally authorized to inspect and stamp gold jewelry traded in the market.
The ministry said oversight is carried out through judicial enforcement to ensure compliance with established standards and protect consumers’ rights.
By contrast, the minister said laser marking, as applied in countries such as Türkiye and Italy, is a more advanced technology that allows gold jewelry to be stamped with high precision without affecting the piece’s appearance or quality.
The method also provides stronger traceability and fraud prevention, while speeding up stamping procedures and reducing human error.
He reiterated that the Egyptian Stamp and Weights Authority is the only body legally authorized to hallmark gold jewelry.
He added that the ministry is using its legal powers, including judicial enforcement authority, to maintain strict market oversight and safeguard citizens’ rights.
The move to study the Turkish model of laser hallmarking is part of a broader plan to modernize Egypt’s system for regulating precious metals and improve service efficiency for both traders and consumers, strengthening confidence in the gold market and aligning it with internationally recognized standards.
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