Returns & Corrections Policy

Last updated January 09, 2026

This Returns & Corrections Policy explains how Imperium Grading Ltd (“Imperium Grading”, “we”, “us”, “our”) handles issues with encapsulation, labels and other post‑delivery problems. It sits alongside (and does not replace) your rights set out in our Terms & Conditions and under UK consumer law.

1) Scope

This Policy applies to items we have encapsulated (slabs and labels) and any accessories we supply as part of an order. It covers manufacturing defects, incorrect or incomplete label data (our error), and order fulfilment mistakes. Transit damage during carrier delivery is the responsibility of the delivery provider under our T&Cs; you must raise any such claims directly with the carrier. We can provide supporting documentation where available.

It does not cover disagreements with grading outcomes (which are professional opinions), wear and tear, damage caused after delivery, or tampering/ opening of slabs.

2) Definitions (summary)
Manufacturing defect: a fault in the holder/label that materially affects clarity, seal integrity, alignment, or function (e.g., cracked case on arrival, delamination, severe clouding, misaligned label, significant encapsulated debris beyond tolerance).

Label error: our mistake in label data (e.g., card set/name/number/variant, language, or grade misprint). Note: genuine catalogue disputes may require evidence and are handled case‑by‑case.

3) What is eligible

You may request a correction or return where:

• Encapsulation / holder faults
• Case arrives cracked, unsealed, or with delamination.
• Significant clouding, warping, or label misalignment that is clearly visible.
• Encapsulated debris at a level that materially obstructs card visibility.
• Label mistakes (our error)
• Wrong set/series, card name, number, variant, language, or other catalogue data printed.
• Grade misprint (e.g., the label text does not match the grading decision recorded in our system).
• Fulfilment errors
• Item(s) missing or wrong item shipped.

4) What is not eligible
Grading disagreements or changes in market value. Grading is a professional opinion rendered at the time of assessment.

Minor cosmetic variations or minute airborne particles that do not materially obstruct visibility or affect seal integrity (see our T&Cs: clean processes but zero‑particle guarantee is not possible).

Damage after delivery due to mishandling, storage, display, or attempted opening of the slab. Tampering or opening a slab voids eligibility under this Policy.

Cards altered after delivery (e.g., cleaning, pressing, re‑inking) or label data that matched the details you supplied.

5) Timeframes to report

Please notify us promptly and within the following maximum periods:

• Wrong item shipped / missing items: within 14 calendar days of recorded delivery.
• Manufacturing defects / label errors: within 30 calendar days of recorded delivery (aligns with our business warranty terms).
• Consumers retain any non‑excludable statutory rights. Business customers: see also the 1‑month warranty window in our T&Cs.

6) Evidence we need

To help us assess quickly, please provide:

• Your order reference and slab serial number(s);
• Photos of the front/back and the specific issue;
• If available, unboxing video taken on first opening (strongly recommended);
• A brief description of the issue.

Send to [email protected] 

7) Our process (RMA)
Contact us within the timeframes above.

We will issue a Return Merchandise Authorisation (RMA) and provide packing instructions and a return label if the issue is our fault. Where the issue is not confirmed to be our fault, you may need to return the item at your cost initially; if we confirm an eligible fault, we will reimburse reasonable return postage.

Pack securely following our guidance. Risk in transit back to us remains with you unless we state otherwise in writing.

On receipt, we will inspect, verify, and confirm the remedy.

8) Remedies we offer

• Where an eligible issue is confirmed, we will, at our discretion (acting reasonably):
• Relabel / correct catalogue data and re‑encapsulate at no charge, or
• Re‑encapsulate to remedy a manufacturing fault, or
• Reship missing items or correct fulfilment errors, or
• Refund an appropriate portion of fees where a correction is not possible within a reasonable time.
• Fee split for partial refunds: our fees are allocated 80% to authentication/grading and 20% to label/encapsulation. Refunds for encapsulation faults or label errors (our error) are generally limited to the 20% component per affected card, plus reasonable return postage where we are at fault. Where we must repeat encapsulation because of our error, the repeat work is free of charge.

Important: If the slab is opened or tampered with before we inspect it, we may be unable to verify the issue and the claim may be declined.

9) Turnaround

Corrections are prioritised but timeframes are not guaranteed (see our T&Cs). We will keep you updated via email or your portal.

10) Costs
If we confirm an Imperium error (manufacturing fault, label error, fulfilment mistake), we will cover the cost of rework and reasonable return postage using our nominated services.

If no fault is found or the issue is out of scope, you will be responsible for return shipping and any rework fees you authorise.

11) Loss or damage during correction

While items are with us for correction, our liability is as set out in the T&Cs and is subject to your declared value and any insurance you selected.

13) Refunds

Any approved refund will be made to the original payment method. Please allow up to 14 days from approval for processing by your card issuer or payment provider.

14) Contact

Questions or to start a return: [email protected]. Postal: Imperium Grading Ltd, Steel House, 4300 Parkway, Whiteley, Fareham PO15 7FP, United Kingdom

Quick reference – Eligibility matrix

Issue	Eligible?	Typical remedy	Notes
Cracked case on arrival	Yes	Replace holder / re‑encapsulate	Report within 14 days with photos; if evidence indicates carrier transit damage, claims must be made with the carrier per our T&Cs
Seal failure / delamination	Yes	Replace holder / re‑encapsulate	30‑day window
Significant encapsulated debris	Yes	Re‑encapsulate	Must materially obstruct visibility
Label data incorrect (our error)	Yes	Correct label / re‑encapsulate	30‑day window; fee split applies
Wrong item shipped	Yes	Reship correct item	Report within 14 days
Grading disagreement	No	—	Outside scope (opinion)
Minor cosmetic micro‑dust	No	—	Within tolerance
Slab opened/tampered	No	—	Voids eligibility