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- BIS certificate for gold guarantees purity and legal compliance under Indian hallmarking laws.
- A BIS certificate is compulsory for jewellers selling hallmarked gold in India.
- BIS is the only authorized body for granting hallmarking certification.
- Certification guarantees that gold jewellery meets BIS standards for purity (e.g., 22K, 18K, 14K).
- As per government regulations, hallmarking is mandatory for specified gold articles.
- Selling gold without BIS certification or hallmarking can lead to fines and blacklisting.
Introduction
In 2023, a prominent Delhi-based jewellery brand faced a penalty of ₹10 lakh. The reason? Selling non-hallmarked gold jewellery despite claiming it was 22K BIS certified. Unfortunately, the jeweller didn’t realise that hallmarking gold had become mandatory under the revised BIS norms.
This is not just one case — many businesses, including new entrants and even exporters, are still unsure about the BIS Certificate for Gold, how hallmarking registration works, or what exactly the BIS Hallmark means.
Whether you’re a local jeweller, an online gold retailer, or an international brand eyeing the Indian market, understanding BIS Hallmarking Certification in 2025 is essential — not optional.
Understanding the BIS Certificate for Gold in India
The BIS certificate for gold is a legal requirement for selling or importing gold jewellery in India. Under the BIS Act and the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery Order 2020, jewellers must get their ornaments hallmarked at BIS-recognised centres.
This hallmark is a stamp of authentication. It guarantees buyers that the gold content and purity meet the Indian standard – usually 22K (916), 18K (750) or 14K (585). If no BIS hallmarking is made it has no legal documentation even if it is 99% pure.
The BIS certificate for gold confirms that your jewellery meets India’s strict purity and safety norms under the BIS Act.
What is the BIS Certificate for Gold?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides the BIS Certificate for Gold, which guarantees that the gold jewellery sold in India meets the respective purity standards. The BIS Certificate is related to hallmarking, which is a formal declaration that the gold content (in karats) is true and accurately represented.
Why is Hallmarking Gold Mandatory in India?
Since June 2021, all but certain states in India have required hallmarked gold jewellery and gold artefacts. The purpose remains the same: consumer consumer protection, and regulated industry.
Brands such as Tanishq, Malabar Gold, and PC Jeweller quickly backed into, gaining considerable consumer trust. Whereas many small-scale jewellers who had to stop selling until they could go registered with the BIS had to halt sales completely.
Where is Hallmarking Compulsory?
As of 2025, hallmarking is mandatory in over 320 districts, covering all major cities and towns. The BIS keeps expanding this list to ensure consumer protection.
Legal Framework Under BIS Hallmarking Rules
The Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Order, 2020 makes BIS certification mandatory for all jewellers in notified districts. You cannot legally sell un-hallmarked gold in these areas.
As per BIS, any manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer must register with the BIS, get their premises verified, and only then offer hallmarked gold to consumers.
How BIS Hallmarking Works: The Key Components
1. The BIS Hallmark Symbol
Each hallmarked item includes:
- The BIS logo
- Purity in carat (e.g., 22K916)
- Hallmarking Centre identification
- Jeweller’s registration mark
These symbols ensure authenticity and traceability.
2. Types of Gold Covered
Hallmarking is applicable to:
- Gold jewellery
- Gold artefacts
- Gold coins (non-investment)
- NOT applicable to dental or industrial gold
3. BIS Recognised Hallmarking Centres
Over 1,000 hallmarking centres across India are authorised to test and apply the BIS Hallmark. Find the official list on bis.gov.in.
How to Obtain a BIS Certificate for Gold
Getting BIS approval is not as intimidating as many traders fear.
Eligibility for BIS Gold Hallmarking
If you are a:
Gold jewellery manufacturer
Wholesaler
Retailer
and you wish to sell gold in India, you must get registered. Even a small family showroom is covered.
Documents Required for Gold BIS Certification
Clients often ask which documents are needed for a BIS certificate for gold. Here’s your checklist:
- Filled registration application
- Business registration certificate
- GST details
- PAN details
- Address proof
- Proof of ownership or rental of premises
- Equipment details (melting, testing equipment, etc.)
- Nominee or authorised signatory KYC
- Payment receipt for BIS fees
Always keep copies of calibration certificates for your gold testing equipment; BIS inspectors will ask for it.
Application & Registration Steps
- Submit the application on the BIS portal
- Upload all supporting documents
- Pay the applicable fees
- Schedule a premises inspection
- Coordinate with a BIS-assigned Assaying and Hallmarking Centre
- Once inspection is cleared, receive your BIS licence number
From there, your hallmarking can begin legally.
How to Apply for Hallmarking Registration – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Create Login on BIS Portal
Register under the jeweller registration category.
Step 2: Submit Application with Fees
Upload:
- Firm documents (PAN, GST, etc.)
- Premises ownership/rent documents
- Product range and quantity
Step 3: BIS Verification & Grant of Licence
BIS will verify details and grant a registration number. You’ll also be linked to authorised hallmarking centres.
Step 4: Start Sending Jewellery for Hallmarking
Once registered, you can submit products to an AHC (Assaying & Hallmarking Centre) for testing and stamping.
Timeline
The process usually takes 7–15 working days, depending on documentation and local BIS centre workload.
Benefits of BIS Certificate for Gold Jewellers
Indian jewellers have seen massive brand gains once they adopt BIS hallmarking.
Building Consumer Trust and Credibility
Consumers know a BIS hallmark is a government standard. It gives them confidence you are not cheating them on gold quality. That trust translates to repeat business.
One client from Coimbatore told me their footfall doubled after they started promoting their BIS hallmarked jewellery. That is the power of a credible standard.
Easier Compliance for Exports
Countries like UAE and Singapore respect India’s BIS hallmark. If you wish to export, you can use BIS as a selling point.
Think of it as a “passport” — it reassures your buyers abroad that your gold is authentic and meets Indian purity norms.
BIS Hallmark vs Other Quality Marks
Jewellers often ask whether they can rely on private purity certificates instead.
Difference Between BIS and Private Hallmarking
Private marks have no legal value in India. Only the BIS hallmark satisfies government norms and protects you from legal action.
Why BIS Stays the Only Legal Standard in India
Because the BIS is established under an Act of Parliament. That makes it a statutory authority — no private lab or jeweller can match that legal power.
Client Experiences with BIS Gold Certification
Gold traders from Tamil Nadu to Punjab have seen BIS transform their trust levels.
BIS Hallmarking: The Key to Customer Trust in Jewellery
One Delhi-based retailer told me how they moved from daily disputes on gold purity to zero complaints once BIS hallmarking became standard in their store.
They even used the BIS number in their advertising to build confidence — and their profits rose.
BIS Registration Renewal: Don’t Risk Penalties
Another client in Mumbai got slapped with a ₹2 lakh fine because their BIS licence lapsed. They had to pay penalties and reapply.
Never ignore renewals — BIS registration is typically valid for one or two years, depending on your scope.
Key Highlights of BIS Certificate for Gold
- Mandatory under BIS Act 2016
- Only recognised purity mark in India
- Backed by legal penalties for non-compliance
- Builds consumer trust and brand strength
- Supports Indian exports as a recognised gold standard
Can Foreign Jewellers Get BIS Certification?
Yes. International brands exporting to India must ensure that their supply chain partners are BIS registered. Foreign manufacturers must coordinate with Indian importers who hold valid BIS or hallmarking registrations.
Notable International Use Cases
- Dubai-based brands like Damas and Kalyan have BIS-certified product lines for Indian consumers.
- Singapore-based refiners use BIS-recognised hallmarking labs when exporting gold coins and artefacts to India.
Benefits of BIS Hallmarking Certification
Legal Compliance
Avoid fines and legal action for selling non-hallmarked gold.
Consumer Trust
Build brand trust, especially in urban markets.
Higher Resale Value
Hallmarked gold fetches better resale prices from reputed buyers.
Branding Boost
“BIS Hallmarked” tag is a strong sales and marketing point.
BIS Is Like the “FDA of Gold”
Just as the FDA certifies drugs in the U.S. to ensure safety, BIS certifies gold in India to ensure purity and protect buyers.
Cost of BIS Hallmarking Registration
| Fee Component | Approx. Amount (INR) |
| Application Fee | ₹1,000 |
| Annual Registration Fee | ₹10,000 |
| Hallmarking Centre Testing | ₹35–50/item |
Note: Fees may vary based on region or updates from BIS.
What Happens If You Don’t Get BIS Certification?
- Heavy fines (₹1 lakh+ per violation)
- Seizure of non-hallmarked stock
- Brand defamation
- Loss of customer trust
- No listing on marketplaces like Amazon India or Tata CliQ
Safeguard your BIS Certificate for Gold in 2025
Whether you are a small jewellery shop in Jaipur or a global brand planning to launch in India, BIS Certificate for Gold is the way forward in trust and legal protection as a jeweller. With hallmarking now obligatory, there is not much to gain by not complying.
Let Diligence Certifications help you with every step — from application to testing — and assist you in fetching the maximum value from your BIS Hallmarking Certification.
Maybe you have some questions you would like answered first .
Conclusion: BIS Certificate for Gold
Obtaining a BIS Certificate for Gold is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a vital step in building consumer trust and ensuring the purity and authenticity of gold articles. With mandatory hallmarking now in force across India, every jeweller, manufacturer, and importer must comply with the standards set under the BIS Hallmarking Scheme to avoid legal penalties and gain a competitive edge in the market.
Whether you’re a small jeweller or a large-scale gold manufacturer, the BIS certification process can seem complex due to its documentation, testing protocols, and compliance procedures. That’s where expert guidance becomes essential.
Diligence Certifications is a trusted BIS consultant in India, offering end-to-end assistance with BIS Hallmarking registration, documentation support, application filing, coordination with BIS officials, and post-certification guidance. With in-depth industry knowledge and a client-first approach, Diligence Certifications ensures a hassle-free and time-efficient certification experience.
Ready to get BIS certified for your gold products?
Connect with Diligence Certifications today and simplify your hallmarking compliance process.
Why Choose Diligence Certifications as a Consultant for BIS Certificate for Gold
- Specialists in Jewellery Certification – Our specialization is BIS Hallmarking and gold certification
- Confident Process – The entire process is handled from your application through audits, so you save time and money
- Renewals on Time – We help turn your licence over keep track of the validity to make sure you don’t get fined for anything
- Trust us like Jewellers Come Nationwide – Our guidance has been trusted by maybe hundreds of jewellers by now for their BIS applications/certifications
- Transparent & Reliable – We do not fake reports, and we do not take shortcuts, therefore 100% true report compliant with certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is BIS hallmarking in gold?
BIS hallmarking indicates the purity of gold in jewellery. The mark itself will typically include indications of the karat, jeweller ID, and hallmarking centre.
Is hallmarking compulsory for gold jewellery in India?
Yes, the BIS Act specifies hallmarking is compulsory for gold jewellery, sold under the $BIS logo, in over 320 districts of India.
What are the fees for getting BIS certification for gold?
The application costs ₹1000, and then a further ₹10000 yearly licence fee. You pay for testing, per item, as extra.
Can foreign gold brands get BIS certification?
Foreign brands can't apply directly, but they can enter the BIS certification process via an Indian BIS-certified importer.
What are the penalties if I don't do BIS mark gold jewellery?
Penalties include fines, seizure of the product, and possibly imprisonment, under the BIS Act.
What manner can I check if my gold is hallmarked?
Check for BIS logo, and karat number, or centre ID, and jeweller code on the jewellery. You can also make sure online at the BIS portal
How long does a BIS hallmarking licence last?
The BIS hallmarking licence is valid for one year from the date of approval, and must be renewed yearly in order to continue selling hallmarked goods.
What about gold coins? Is hallmarking Gold required for gold coins?
Yes, hallmarked items include any coins that are not classified as investment coins. Decorative and gifting coins must be hallmarked.
How long does it take from delivery of product to receiving a hallmarked order?
Usually, 24 - 72 hours for each batch, as long as the testing centre's workload and capacity are sufficient.
Can I sell old jewellery that is not hallmarking Gold?
No, if you are planning to sell old jewellery, even if refurbished, you must hallmark it before selling it if it falls under the compliance zone.
