Egypt Approves First X-Ray Lab for Gold Testing in Mints Department

Egypt’s Department of Mints and Weights has officially accredited an X-ray testing laboratory, marking the first of its kind in Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East. The facility is now certified by both the Egyptian National Accreditation Council (EGAC) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). The new lab will be used to assess gold jewellery—verifying purity, detecting inconsistencies, and ensuring products comply with legal standards—without damaging sensitive pieces. This capability is particularly important for high-value items vulnerable to alterations or fraud.  The lab’s accreditation comes under directives from Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, Dr. Sherif Farouk, who has previously pushed for broader modernisation across the ministry’s laboratories and regulatory bodies. By enabling more precise assays and non-destructive testing, the X-ray lab aims to strengthen oversight of gold goods, reduce the risk of counterfeits, and support quality assurance across Egypt’s jewellery industry.