Pokémon Card Grading in the UK.
As the cornerstone of the TCG world, your Pokémon collection deserves more than just a plastic sleeve. At Imperium Grading, we provide a world-class Pokémon grading service in the UK, combining technical precision with artistic flair. Whether you are looking to secure a vintage Charizard or a modern Alt-Art masterpiece, our mission is to provide the most transparent, consistent, and visually stunning grading experience in the country.
Protect your Pokémon cards
From raw card to display piece.
Know why.
Subgrades, defect call-outs, centering measurements, and a clear rationale with every graded card.
Artwork in it's own right.
Hand-crafted Pokémon art made by real designers, not AI
We believe the slab should be as beautiful as the card inside. Our Premium Art Match labels are hand-drawn by real artists—never generative AI. These labels extend the artwork of your favorite Pokémon beyond the card frame, creating a display-grade finish that turns your collection into a gallery. These labels are available on most modern era sets, and we accept requests for labels that we haven't done yet via the order form. Art labels are available for +£3 per card.
Serious standards. Unmistakably Imperium.
Every part of our process is designed to give you total clarity on your grades, absolute trust in our service, and a slab built to show off your cards.
Start your submission
Rare on purpose.
Our Red Label requires perfect 10s across every subgrade with a strict 51/49 centering standard.
Every cert has a story.
Scan the QR code on your slab or enter your certification number in our database to unlock a complete breakdown of your card's grade. Inspect high-resolution defect call-outs, precise centering measurements, subgrade rationale, and instant authenticity verification.
Professional Pokémon Grading for Every Era
We accept and specialise in all Pokémon TCG eras, ensuring your cards are handled with expert care regardless of their age:
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Vintage Classics: Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, and the legendary Neo era.
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EX & Diamond/Pearl: Protecting the holos and secret rares of the mid-2000s.
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Modern Masterpieces: Scarlet & Violet, Sword & Shield (including VSTAR, VMAX, and Special Illustration Rares).
We also offer a ‘retro’ label to compliment the older styled cards. Retro labels are available for +£3 per card.
How much does it cost to grade a card with Imperium?
We have designed our grading tiers to offer a balance of speed and value, ensuring that whether you are securing a high-value grail or protecting a personal favourite, there is a service level built for your needs.
Send raw cards for professional grading, authentication, and encapsulation in an Imperium slab, complete with a detailed grading report.
Includes:
- 1–2 business days turnaround time
- 1 card minimum order
- Free detailed report
Includes:
- 3–5 business days turnaround time
- 1 card minimum order
- Free detailed report
Includes:
- 10–15 business days turnaround time
- 3 cards minimum order
- Free detailed report
Includes:
- 15–30 business days turnaround time
- 5 cards minimum order
- Free detailed report
Already graded elsewhere? We safely remove your card from its existing holder, re-grade it to Imperium standards, and encapsulate it in our slab.
Includes:
- 1–2 business days turnaround time
- 1 card minimum order
- Free detailed report
Includes:
- 3–5 business days turnaround time
- 1 card minimum order
- Free detailed report
Includes:
- 10–15 business days turnaround time
- 3 cards minimum order
- Free detailed report
Includes:
- 15–30 business days turnaround time
- 5 cards minimum order
- Free detailed report
For cards we have already graded — replace a damaged holder, refresh the presentation, or update the label while keeping your existing Imperium grade.
Includes:
- 1–2 business days turnaround time
- 1 card minimum order
Includes:
- 3–5 business days turnaround time
- 1 card minimum order
Includes:
- 10–15 business days turnaround time
- 3 cards minimum order
Includes:
- 15–30 business days turnaround time
- 5 cards minimum order
Confirm your card is genuine without a full numeric grade — ideal when you need confidence in authenticity and professional presentation.
Includes:
- 1–2 business days turnaround time
- 1 card minimum order
Includes:
- 3–5 business days turnaround time
- 1 card minimum order
Includes:
- 10–15 business days turnaround time
- 3 cards minimum order
Includes:
- 15–30 business days turnaround time
- 5 cards minimum order
Submit a custom (non-tcg) card, add your own label details and we will encapsulate them with your custom text, upload your own artwork for the labels to really make them stand out!
Includes:
- 1–2 business days turnaround time
- 1 card minimum order
- Custom label text
Includes:
- 3–5 business days turnaround time
- 1 card minimum order
- Custom label text
Includes:
- 10–15 business days turnaround time
- 3 cards minimum order
- Custom label text
Includes:
- 15–30 business days turnaround time
- 5 cards minimum order
- Custom label text
Stackable, Hyper-Clear, UK-Made Grading Slabs
Designed, engineered and produced in the UK for unparalleled optical clarity and premium display, our slabs are built to protect your Pokémon cards for a lifetime.
- Visual Quality: Showcases card colours vividly, with a non-hazing finish. We use only display-grade materials—no lightweight or foggy plastics.
- Durability & UV Protection: Features enhanced resistance against scratches, scuffs, and UV.
- Functionality: Purpose-built to stack securely, without causing scratches, for easy collection management.
- Security: Includes robust anti-tamper features for ultimate peace of mind.
How to Start Your Pokémon Grading Submission
Total transparency from intake to dispatch. Follow your Pokémon cards through our rigorous multi-stage process with real-time alerts.
Submit your order
Use the form on our submission page to select the service type (grading, crossover, reholder, authentication) and add your cards.
Enter your details & pay
Make sure the details on your delivery address and contact details are correct. Pay for the order and you'll receive a confirmation email.
Delivery slip
Download and print off the delivery slip that is included in the order email (you can also access this from your dashboard).
Prep your cards
Package your cards securely, in semi-rigid toploaders, with plenty of protection to avoid them getting damaged in transit.
Follow your submission
You'll receive email updates as well as being able to see the order progress in your dashboard. Once complete, your cards are returned fully insured.
FAQs
How do I submit my cards?
Create an account and visit the order page to start your submission. Choose your service type and level. Add cards to your order, choose your label options and shipping preference, and then securely package and send your order to us. We handle everything from there.
Why should I get my card graded?
Grading is the ideal way to permanently encapsulate your favourite cards, protecting them from physical damage, environmental wear, and deterioration. The secure, tamper-proof holder ensures your card remains in its current condition for years to come.
Grading with Imperium also provides an unbiased, standardised, and recognised rating of your card’s condition. This eliminates doubt regarding a card’s authenticity and precisely measures its quality.
How long does it take?
The turnaround time for your submission is determined by the grading tier you select. Our service options provide a range of processing times, from as quickly as 2 days up to a maximum of 30 days from the day we receive your cards.
How much does Pokémon grading cost in the UK?
Prices start from £12 per card for grading or £9 per card for Authentication. Depending on the tier option you have selected will change the cost of your submission. You can view our pricing table here.
What other TCGs can I grade with Imperium?
Apart from Lorcana, we currently grade Pokemon TCG and One Piece TCG . But watch this space, we will be adding more of your favourites in the coming months.
How do I become an affiliate of Imperium Grading?
For affiliate information and sign up form please follow the link here.
What do I do if I have a problem with my order?
If you have any problems with your order please contact us on our help email [email protected] or fill out the form on our contact page.
Do you grade custom or proxy cards?
We do not grade custom or proxy cards, only cards from an official TCG will be graded. However, we do offer a ‘custom card’ encapsulation service, which will allow you to protect your custom cards in our slabs. Just choose ‘Custom Card’ when placing your order.
Do you grade miscuts, errors or factory defect cards?
We offer miscuts, errors and defect card grading as part of our service.