Monetary gold is held by central banks or international financial institutions as a reserve asset and is excluded from merchandise trade statistics. Nonmonetary gold — including bullion bars, grain, powder, and fabricated forms held by commercial entities — is included in export data and requires standard EEI filing when shipment value exceeds the filing threshold.

Exports of nonmonetary gold to sanctioned countries or entities are prohibited under OFAC regulations regardless of form. Some destination countries also impose import duties or VAT on gold below a certain fineness, so exporters should verify the receiving country's admissibility rules and fineness thresholds before shipment.