Rejection Labels: What Are They, and What Do They Mean?

Two of the most important aspects of certification are authentication and verification. CGC Video Games inspects each submitted video game to determine if it is genuine and can be certified. Unfortunately, not every game evaluated is authentic. There are also games that cannot be certified due to their size or the console for which they were produced.

Games that do not meet CGC Video Games' authentication standards or are uncertifiable for another reason will be rejected and returned to the submitter "raw" (unencapsulated) with one of four rejection labels: CT, RE, IT or QA.

CT – Counterfeit

A game with a CT rejection label has one or several components that show evidence of forgery. Reproduction boxes, cartridges, cases, cover arts, discs and manuals have long been present in the video game community, and they are often presented as genuine collectibles. CGC Video Games does not certify reproductions and will reject them as counterfeits. Games determined to be counterfeits will be charged the full submission fee.

RE – Reseal

A game with a RE rejection label is a game that is authentic but shows evidence of being resealed. It is not uncommon for retailers to reseal games that were purchased, opened and later returned. There are also many second-hand video game stores that seal used games in shrink wrap in an effort to preserve their condition. While these games may appear to be brand new, they are still resealed, and because these types of seals are not original, they cannot be certified by CGC Video Games. Games determined to be resealed will be charged the full submission fee.

IT – Ineligible Type

In most cases, games returned with an IT rejection label cannot be certified because they come in nonstandard-sized packaging and cannot fit into the CGC Video Games holders. These include items like big boxes, collector's editions, oversized clamshells, double packs and similar items. An IT label may also be returned with a game produced for a console or for a region that CGC Video Games does not currently certify. For a list of video games and related materials that CGC Video Games does not grade, click here. Games that are not currently graded by CGC Video Games will be charged full shipping and handling fees and returned to the submitter. Grading fees will be refunded.

QA – Questionable Authenticity

A game with a QA rejection label is a game that CGC Video Games cannot absolutely determine to be authentic. These games may have evidence of being genuine, but they may also have evidence of being resealed or counterfeit. CGC Video Games will reject games with questionable authenticity. Submitters will be charged full shipping and handling fees, and games will be returned to the submitter. Grading fees will be refunded.

RC – Rejected CrossOver

An RC rejection label means that CGC Video Games cannot guarantee a similar or better CrossOver grade. CGC Video Games inspects each game submitted for CrossOver grading meticulously before carefully removing it from another company's holder. Sometimes, CGC Video Games' experts disagree with the other company's grade. Games rejected for CrossOver grading will be returned to the submitter still in the other company's holder. The full submission fee will be charged.

If you have questions regarding CGC Video Games’ grading policies, submission requirements or other concerns, please contact us at Service@CGCvideogames.com or call 941-360-3991.

Are you ready to submit your video games to CGC Video Games? Learn how to submit by clicking here.