HKEX News Events Education Contact us Account METALS TRADING CLEARING MARKET DATA PHYSICAL SERVICES Search the LME Home Physical services Warehousing LME warrants Warehousing LME warrants QUICK ACCESS LMEsword Systems LME warrants are documents that represent an entitlement to a specific lot of LME-approved metal. Warrants can only be issued if the underlying metal conforms to the quality requirements details specified by the LME, so as well as an ownership document, a warrant also acts as a form of insurance against the quality of the metal a buyer will receive. Following feedback from and engagement with industry stakeholders, the LME has streamlined the warrant lodgement and withdrawal process by introducing a new dematerialised (electronic) warranting process. Since 1 March 2021, instead of physical paper warrants, all LME warrants are digital*. The LME will act as depository, holding rights in the warrant and, where relevant, immobilised warrant (as well as rights in the underlying metal) on behalf of the account holder in LMEsword. These changes bring significant operational efficiencies for users – including, for example, the removal of volume limits for warrant processing, the reduction in risk of physically transporting paper warrants to and from the depository vault and the associated costs involved in these manual processes. *Apart from warrants relating to metal located in South Korea – these will be printed, but immobilised, in the LME Depository. Contact us For more information, please get in touch. Contact us How does the new electronic warranting structure work? How do we now lodge warrants with the new Depository Service enabled? Isn’t there going to be a delay when we withdraw warrants? So there is still a Bearer Warrant printed? What does this actually mean? Will the Agent be able to just put warrants in my account? Will there be long delays during periods of heightened activity for all jurisdictions? Can I still hold a warrant outside of LMEsword? Have the LMEsword operating hours changed? Where can I find revised LMEsword Operating Procedures? Who should I talk to at the LME with any further questions? STAY UP TO DATE Register with LME.com Receive full access to all our price data and gain access to our monthly LME newsletter, packed with market tips and insights from our on-staff specialists. Register now Metals Trading Clearing Market data Physical services About About the LME Committees Governance Corporate Business continuity FAQs Regulation LME Rulebook (Download) LME Clear Rulebook (Download) Guide to market structure (Download) Market regulation Benchmark regulation Pre-trade transparency Brexit Rules Arbitration Responsibility Responsible sourcing Sustainability Conduct Diversity and inclusion Charity Corporate disclosure CONTACT US London +44 (0)207113 8888 10 Finsbury Square London EC2A 1AJ Singapore +65 6535 5035 9 Battery Road #07-02 MYP Centre Raffles Place Singapore 049910 Register Log in Legal Privacy statement Cookie policy Modern slavery statement Website T&C's Email disclaimer Cyber security awareness © 2021 The London Metal Exchange - an HKEX Company. All rights reserved. This website uses Cookies By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies