Responsibility marks

The manufacturer or importer of precious metal items must have a responsibility mark (RM, in Dutch: verantwoordelijkheidsteken or VT), which has to be applied to the items manufactured or imported. The manufacturer or importer can apply the RM themselves, or can choose to have WaarborgHolland do it.

In principle, WaarborgHolland can apply the statutory hallmarks to new items only if the responsibility mark is already present in the item, or if WaarborgHolland strikes it at the same time as the hallmark.
The responsibility mark can be kept in safekeeping at WaarborgHolland free of charge.

Before and during the application procedure, a business can have WaarborgHolland's responsibility mark applied to its articles, so that batches are not delayed.

You can also apply for a new RM through WaarborgHolland. You can download the document using the link below. The form also sets out the requirements the RM has to meet.

Note: while the application is in progress, the applicant may use the WaarborgHolland RM, so that ongoing deliveries are not delayed.

If the imported items carry a mark of the foreign manufacturer that is registered with WaarborgHolland (also called a Responsibility Mark or Sponsor Mark), an RM is not needed. Foreign Responsibility/Sponsor Marks can be registered with WaarborgHolland. To do so, contact us on +31 182 58 93 00.

Note: articles from EU countries are also regarded as imported articles!

See also the book Nederlandse Verantwoordelijkheidstekens vanaf 1797 (Dutch responsibility marks since 1797).