- Purity Certification: Hallmarking provides a certification for the purity of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum.
- Government Authorization: The hallmarking in India is authorized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- Standard Marking System: A hallmark consists of the BIS logo, purity mark, assay center mark, and jeweler’s identification mark.
- Consumer Protection: It provides consumer protection against fraudulent business practices since the consumer gets the purity of the metals for which he has paid.
- Mandatory for Gold Jewelry: What is Hallmarking of gold jewelry is mandatory in India as per the government’s rules.

Introduction
Hallmarking is the official certification for the purity and authenticity of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. It is ensured that the metal used in the jewellery or artefacts is of the required quality. The hallmarking of the metals is carried out in India through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification scheme, in which the purity of the metal is checked through the Assaying and Hallmarking Centers.
What is Hallmarking
The hallmarking process is a certification process that ensures the purity and fineness of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. “Hallmarking is a process which guarantees that the purity of the metal in the jewellery or article is the same as the purity claimed by the seller.”The hallmarking process in India is carried out by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). BIS has permitted the Assaying and Hallmarking Centres to carry out hallmarking.
Points:
- Purity Verification: Hallmarking is used to verify the purity and fineness of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum.
- Government Regulation: In India, it is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- Official Marking: Hallmarked jewellery is marked with the BIS logo, purity mark, assay centre mark, and jeweller’s identification mark.
- Consumer Protection: Hallmarking protects consumers from fraudulent practices and ensures they purchase the exact purity matching the amount they pay for the product.
- Mandatory Compliance: Hallmarking of gold jewellery and gold artefacts is mandatory in India.
What is Gold Hallmarking
Gold hallmarking is the official process that authenticates the purity and fineness of gold jewellery and gold artefacts. It confirms that the purity of gold mentioned by the gold seller actually corresponds with the purity of the gold item being sold.Gold hallmarking in India is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Assaying and hallmarking centres that are authorized by the BIS subject the gold item to testing and then stamp it with a special hallmark.
Points:
- Purity Certification: The hallmarking of gold ensures the exact purity and fineness of gold jewellery and artefacts.
- Regulated Authority: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulates gold hallmarking in India.
- Official Mark Details: The hallmark consists of the BIS mark, purity mark (22K916, 18K750, etc.), jeweller’s mark, assay centre mark, and HUID number.
- Consumer Protection: It protects consumers from fraud and ensures that they get the exact purity of gold for the amount they pay.
- Mandatory Requirement: Gold hallmarking is a mandatory requirement in India for the sale of gold jewellery and artefacts.
What is Silver Hallmarking
The process of certification of the purity and fineness of the silver jewellery, coins, and artefacts is known as Silver Hallmarking. It ensures that the claimed purity of the silver by the seller is the actual purity of the product.The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the regulatory body that governs the process of silver hallmarking in India. Assaying and Hallmarking Centres test the purity of the silver products and then stamp the products with the official hallmark after successful verification.
Points:
- Purity Verification: The hallmarking of silver products verifies the purity of the silver product (for example, 999, 925).
- Regulated by BIS: In India, it is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- Components of Official Hallmark: The hallmark consists of the BIS logo, purity mark, assay center mark, and jeweler’s identification mark.
- Consumer Protection: It protects consumers from adulteration and provides them with genuine silver of known purity.
- Quality Assurance: Silver hallmarking enhances purity and transparency in the precious metals industry.
Is Hallmarking Mandatory in India
Yes, hallmarking is mandatory in India for the sale of gold jewellery and objects. The Government of India has made hallmarking by BIS compulsory so that consumers get gold jewellery of proven purity and standard quality.Hallmarking is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which authorizes Assaying and Hallmarking Centres for testing and certifying precious metals. Only jewellers are allowed to sell hallmarked gold jewellery in notified districts.
Points:
- Mandatory for Gold Jewellery The hallmarking of gold jewellery and gold objects has been made mandatory for trade in India.
- Regulated by BIS The Bureau of Indian norms( BIS) regulates labeling under the BIS Act.
- Applicable to Registered Jewellers Only BIS- registered jewellers are allowed to handle hallmark gold jewellery in the notified areas.
- Penalty forNon-Compliance The trade ofnon-hallmarked gold jewellery may invite legal proceedings and/ or penalties.
- Consumer Protection The hallmarking of gold jewellery has been made mandatory to check chastity and under- caratage.
Importance and Benefits of Hallmarking
| Importance | Benefits |
| Ensures Purity Assurance: The precious metal complies with the purity standards specified by the jeweller. | Accurate Value for Money: The buyer gets the correct purity for the money spent. |
| Consumer Protection: Protects consumers from fraud, adulteration, and unfair trade practices. | Easy Resale & Exchange: Hallmarked jewellery has better resale value and acceptance. |
| Legal Compliance: Assists jewellers in complying with regulations set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). | Quality Guarantee: It provides assurance of tested quality of the metal used in the jewellery. |
| Market Transparency: Promotes honesty and standardization in the precious metal trade. | Reduced Risk of Fraud: It minimizes the risk of impurities in the gold used in the jewellery as well as the risk of under-carat weight. |
| Builds Trust: Establishes consumer confidence in purchasing gold and silver jewellery. | Enhanced Brand Reputation: Jewellers who offer hallmarked jewellery benefit from increased brand loyalty. |
Step-by-Step Hallmarking
- Jeweller Registration with BIS
The jeweller needs to register with BIS for the sale of hallmark jewellery.
- Submission to Assaying & Hallmarking Centre
The registered jeweller submits the jewellery items to a BIS-approved Assaying & Hallmarking Centre.
- Purity Testing
Jewellery testing is conducted using advanced techniques such as XRF screening and fire assay testing to ascertain accurate purity levels.
- Verification & Approval
Jewellery is approved for hallmarking if it meets the required purity levels.
- Stamping of Hallmark (HUID Based)
Jewellery is stamped with the hallmark consisting of the following details:
BIS logo
Purity/Fineness mark
Assay Centre mark
Jeweller’s identification mark
- HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number
Return to Jeweller for Sale
Jewellery is returned to the jeweller for sale after hallmarking.
Documents Required for Hallmarking
| Category | Documents Required |
| Business Registration Certificate (GST/Trade License/Shop Act) | Proof of legal business establishment |
| PAN Card of Business | Financial and tax identification |
| GST Registration Certificate | Required for jewellery trading activities |
| Identity Proof (Aadhaar/PAN of Proprietor/Partners/Directors) | Verification of business owner(s) |
| Address Proof of Business Premises | Confirms registered place of business |
| Bank Account Details (Cancelled Cheque/Statement) | Verification of business banking details |
| Undertaking/Declaration Form (as per BIS format) | Compliance confirmation as per BIS guidelines |
Timelines, Costs, Validity & Renewal
- Timelines: Usually from 20 to 30 days, with only 7-15 days for the testing.
- Costs: The cost of the government and the test varies depending on the product. There can be some additional charges though.
- Validity: The validity period is 2 years in most situations.
- Renewal: The renewal is done before the expiration; there should be updated documents/tests; the renewal
Why Choose Diligence Certifications
Diligence Certifications is a reliable consultancy firm that offers comprehensive help with BIS Hallmarking Registration. The company has in-depth knowledge of the rules and regulations set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and ensures that the registration process of the jeweler is smooth and error-free.Documentation assistance, application submission, and interaction with the BIS authorities are all taken care of by Diligence Certifications. The company’s team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that the process of registration is transparent, efficient, and error-free.
Conclusion
Hallmarking is a very important process that ensures the purity, authenticity, and quality of precious metals such as gold and silver. With the implementation of regulations by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), hallmarking has become a necessary process for maintaining transparency and consumer interests in India.With proper hallmarking registration, jewellers not only maintain legal compliance but also establish trust, credibility, and market reputation. In the end, hallmarking is a process that benefits consumers and businesses by maintaining fairness, quality, and long-term confidence in the precious metal industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is hallmarking?
It is a certification of purity of precious metals such as gold and silver.
Who regulates hallmarking in India?
It is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Is gold hallmarking mandatory in India?
Yes, hallmarking of gold jewelry and other artifacts is mandatory in India.
What is 22K916?
It is 22K gold with 91.6% purity.
What is HUID?
HUID is a code that is assigned uniquely to each piece of hallmarked jewelry.
Is hallmarking for silver compulsory?
Yes, it is mandatory for certain categories of silver hallmarking notified by the government.
How do I verify the hallmarking of the product?
You may verify it through BIS Care App or BIS official portal.
Who can apply for hallmarking registration?
Jewellers and businesses dealing with gold and/or silver jewellery.
What will happen if the jeweller sells non-hallmarked goods?
The jeweller may face penalties under the BIS Act.
For how many years will BIS registration be valid?
The BIS registration will be valid for 1 to 5 years depending upon the period for which you want to register.
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