France Bans Mailing of Precious Metals

It looks like France just passed a law banning shipment of precious metals through the mail.  It's unconfirmed, but I read they had previously banned purchasing of precious metals via cash payment.  This is essentially the banning of an asset and capital control.  Expect this to spread across Europe--and God forbid, into the United States.

http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000027436428&dateTexte=&oldAction=rechJO&categorieLien=id

Excerpt from Google translation:

"Art. D. 1.-The insertion of banknotes, coins and precious metals is prohibited in mailings, including the insured items, registered items and items subject to formalities certifying deposition and distribution. "

Article D. 2 is replaced by the following:"Art. D. 2.-Jewelry III defined in Article 1 of Decree No. 2000-376 of 28 April 2000 as amended relating to the protection of transport funds can only be carried by insured item by registered mail or by sending subject to formalities certifying deposition and distribution.
Under the provision of the universal postal service as defined in Article R. 1 jewelry can only be transported by sending by registered or insured parcel.

The amount of insured items within the range of universal postal service must meet the threshold set by the order referred to in Article R. 1.The value of the objects inserted in a registered letter or a consignment covered formalities certifying deposition and distribution must not exceed the level of security chosen by the sender when posting the item."