Guide 08 / Grading companies · 7 minute read · Requirements checked 31 August 2026

Quick answer: To submit cards to CGC, first confirm the exact card and service are eligible, then pick the right regional route: eligible TCG cards (such as Pokémon) can be graded full-time in Munich, while sports, non-sports and mixed orders follow a US route. Create the order, prepare each card in a protective sleeve and a suitable semi-rigid holder, pack it to CGC's current guidance and reconcile the return carefully.

CGC Cards submissions are easier to plan when you separate three questions: is the exact card eligible, which office and service will handle it, and what result or label are you asking for? For European collectors, a local receiving office, a domestic grading operation and a shipment forwarded overseas are different routes.

Understand the current CGC grade names

CGC's current scale distinguishes Pristine 10, Gem Mint 10 and Mint+ 9.5. Do not describe every 10 as Pristine, or use older label terminology without checking the holder and certificate in front of you. CGC also identifies non-numerical outcomes such as Authentic and Authentic Altered within its framework.

For a purchase, sale or insurance record, copy the designation accurately. For a submission, decide whether you are seeking ordinary card grading or a specialist service, such as an autograph, error or altered-card assessment.

Step 1: Confirm the card and service are eligible

Record the game or sport, release, set, number, language, variant, finish and any signature or unusual feature. Use CGC's current eligibility information for the exact category rather than assuming that acceptance of one issue means acceptance of every related card.

A standard trading card, a thick memorabilia card, an oversized item and an artist-altered card may require different decisions. Take front and back photographs and create your own inventory even when the online process requires fewer details.

Step 2: Choose the correct regional route (CGC Munich vs US)

Regional route checked 31 August 2026: CGC provides full-time grading for eligible TCG submissions in Munich. Its published guidance sends sports cards, non-sports cards and mixed submissions containing those categories to the United States. Confirm the current route before combining different categories in one order.

For a German or other European submission, start with the relevant regional instructions and fees. Do not transplant a US price, tax treatment, address or turnaround estimate into a Munich order.

The German fee page currently separates prices including and excluding VAT and reiterates the distinction between locally graded TCGs and other submissions. It also contains older general wording about US forwarding, so use the category-specific notice and current order confirmation, and ask CGC to resolve any route ambiguity before shipping.

For a dealer submission, establish where the cards will be received, whether the order will be combined with other categories and who is responsible for the return.

Step 3: Choose an account and service deliberately

CGC provides a direct online submission route with a free account; paid memberships can add benefits under their current terms. Do not purchase a membership solely because you assume it is compulsory.

Compare the services available for your actual location and card value. Include add-ons, shipping, insurance and any applicable taxes in the cost. When a tier has a minimum quantity, add cards only if they independently fit your collecting or resale objective. Use the live service page rather than a fixed price table in an old article.

Step 4: Choose the submission workflow (incl. Munich Quick Submit)

CGC's Munich Quick Submit option currently allows eligible TCG orders to be started using quantity and declared value without individual card descriptions. It is not the workflow for every category: the published exclusions include sports and non-sports cards, JSA submissions and additional services.

The convenience of a simplified form should not reduce your own traceability. Keep an itemised list, photos and the order position of each card, especially for several copies of the same issue. For a detailed submission, enter the card descriptions accurately.

Step 5: Inspect and prepare without altering the card

Inspect both sides before finalising the list (see How to Pre-Grade Cards). Record visible concerns, then decide whether the expected result still justifies the service. Do not rub, polish, press, recolour or otherwise treat the card in an attempt to obtain a better number.

Step 6: Use CGC's current packing method

CGC's shipping guidance calls for a protective sleeve and a suitable semi-rigid holder, with the submission organised, supported and cushioned for shipment. Follow its current directions for paperwork, the outer package and any special card requirements.

Do not assume that another company's holder dimensions, tape rules or supplied-kit arrangement can be copied unchanged. Equally, do not invent a universal CGC ban or permission where the instructions are silent; clarify a non-standard setup before dispatch.

Check the empty sleeve and holder, transfer the card carefully and stop on resistance. Before sealing, recount the cards and check the order sequence. Our shipping guide covers the full process.

Step 7: Ship to the current destination and monitor the order

Use the address supplied for the actual regional submission and carrier. Do not rely on older Munich addresses appearing in historical articles. Check appointment or handover requirements before visiting an office in person.

Save the carrier receipt, tracking number and submission reference. Treat advertised processing times as estimates and account for the whole route, including any forwarding and return stages.

Step 8: Reconcile the return carefully

Match the physical card, certificate and label details to the inventory. Pay attention to language, parallel or variant, grade wording and any additional designation you ordered.

A label error and disappointment with a condition grade are different issues. Document the concern precisely and use CGC's relevant support or review process. Keep the holder intact and retain shipping materials while the issue is being considered.

Frequently asked questions

Are all CGC submissions sent to the United States?

No. Eligible TCG submissions can be graded in Munich under the current regional offering. Other categories and mixed orders can follow a US route, so confirm the exact composition of the submission.

Do I have to type every card into Quick Submit?

The eligible Munich Quick Submit workflow is designed to reduce that input. Nevertheless, retain your own detailed inventory and photos.

Is CGC 9.5 currently called Gem Mint?

No. The current scale calls 9.5 Mint+. Historical labels should be read accurately rather than automatically relabelled in a sales description.

Does a good-looking print error guarantee a special label or premium?

No. Verify whether the issue is recognised under the chosen service and compare the exact card when researching value.

Choose the route as carefully as the grade

For CGC, accurate category selection can affect more than the label: it can change where the card travels and which workflow applies. Resolve those details first, then use a careful preparation and packing routine.

Related guides

Sources and current requirements

Requirements checked 31 August 2026. Use the current official instructions for the service and route you select. Sources: CGC Cards - Grading Scale; CGC Cards - Cards We Grade; CGC Cards - Full-time TCG Grading in Munich; CGC Cards Germany - Services and Fees; CGC Cards - Online Submission Form; CGC Cards - US Services and Fees; CGC Cards - Quick Submit in Munich; CGC Cards - Shipping Cards to CGC; CGC Cards - Contact and Offices.

Grade Saver Pro is the grading sub-brand of Saver Pro and is independent of CGC. This is educational guidance, not a grading service or a promise of a result. No grading-company endorsement is implied.