No default physical custody

Veritan does not take physical custody of gemstone items as part of its standard certification process. The certification workflow is documentation-based: customers submit photographs, evidence files, laboratory reports, and other qualifying documentation through the digital platform. No physical delivery of a gemstone to Veritan is required or implied by a certification fee payment.

Authorized physical custody arrangements

In limited circumstances where physical custody is operationally required (for example, a custody-chain verification step at a specific tier), Veritan may authorize physical custody on a case-by-case basis. Any such arrangement must be pre-authorized in writing by an authorized Veritan representative before the item is shipped. Authorization is item-specific, time-limited, and documented in the certification record as a custody event.

No liability for unauthorized shipments

Veritan assumes no liability whatsoever for any gemstone item shipped to Veritan without prior written authorization, including any item lost, damaged, delayed, or stolen in transit. Veritan may return unauthorized items at the sender's expense or, if return is not practicable, hold them for a reasonable period before disposal in accordance with applicable law.

Chain of custody documentation

Where physical custody is authorized, the following must be documented before and during transit: item identity confirmed by the submitting party; shipping carrier, tracking number, declared value, and insurance coverage; condition report and photographic record at point of dispatch; receipt acknowledgment by an authorized Veritan agent; and condition report at receipt. Each custody event is recorded in the item's provenance ledger. Gaps in the documented custody chain are disclosed in the certification record and may affect tier eligibility.

Return of items

Where physical custody has been authorized and accepted, Veritan will return the item by a carrier and method agreed in advance. Insurance and declared value are the responsibility of the customer unless otherwise agreed in writing. Veritan's liability for loss or damage during return transit is limited to the direct replacement cost of the item, not to exceed the maximum amount specified in the written custody authorization, and only where Veritan's negligence is established.