Hallmarking is a certification of the purity of gold jewellery and artefacts by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Since June 2021, hallmarking has been made mandatory in phases for gold jewellery sold in notified districts, which now cover most of India. Since April 2023, jewellery must carry a 6 digit Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number.
What a hallmark contains
A hallmark on gold jewellery has three parts:
- The BIS standard mark.
- The purity grade, in carats and fineness, such as 22K916 (91.6 percent gold), 18K750 or 14K585.
- The 6 digit alphanumeric HUID, unique to each piece.
Older hallmark formats with four marks are no longer used for new sales.
Allowed purity grades
BIS has notified grades such as 14, 18, 20, 22, 23 and 24 carat for hallmarking, and also 9 carat in later rules.
How to verify HUID
- Download the BIS Care app from the official app store.
- Choose Verify HUID.
- Enter the 6 digit code from the jewellery or the bill.
- The app shows details such as the jeweller’s registration, the hallmarking centre, the article type and the purity.
If the details do not match, do not buy, and report it through the app.
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Check the bill
Ask for a proper bill showing:
- weight of gold,
- purity,
- HUID,
- making charges and stones separately,
- GST.
Are any items exempt
Some items are exempt from mandatory hallmarking, such as jewellery below 2 grams, certain types of jewellery and items for export, as per BIS orders. Even so, it is safer to buy hallmarked items.
Selling or exchanging gold
When you sell or exchange hallmarked jewellery, the HUID and bill make it easier to prove purity and get a fair value. Keep the bill safely along with the jewellery.
Old jewellery
Consumers can get old, unhallmarked jewellery tested at BIS recognised assaying and hallmarking centres for a small fee.
Complaints
If you find that hallmarked jewellery has lower purity than marked, you can complain to BIS through the BIS Care app or its website. The jeweller can be required to compensate as per the rules.
Bottom line
Before buying gold, look for the BIS mark, purity grade and the 6 digit HUID, and verify it on the BIS Care app. A minute’s check can protect a large purchase.
Source / स्रोत: Bureau of Indian Standards: Hallmarking, Department of Consumer Affairs
