Cart is empty 
Gold hallmarking is an official certification system that guarantees the purity and quality of gold jewellery and artefacts sold in India. Implemented by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s national standards organisation, hallmarking serves as a quality control mechanism to protect consumers from adulteration and ensure they receive the exact purity of gold they pay for.
The BIS hallmark, or Gold Hallmark, consists of three essential components:
- BIS Logo: A triangular symbol indicating the item has been tested at a BIS-recognised laboratory
- Purity Grade: The karat value (22K, 18K, 14K) with corresponding fineness (916, 750, 585)
- Six-Digit HUID: A unique Hallmark Unique Identification number for traceability
How to Get Gold Checked and Verified
To get gold hallmarked, jewellers must take their items to BIS-recognised Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHCs).
The hallmarking process involves three key stages
- Homogeneity Testing: All items from a batch are tested to ensure they meet BIS regulatory standards for consistency
- Purity Testing: Random samples undergo detailed examination using fire assay methods to determine exact gold content and fineness
- Marking: Items are individually marked using laser or press technology based on test results
Consumer Verification Methods
BIS CARE App Verification
Consumers can verify hallmarked gold using the official BIS CARE mobile application:
- Download the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store
- Select the “Verify HUID” option
- Enter the 6-digit alphanumeric HUID number engraved on the jewellery
- The app displays complete details, including purity, jeweller registration, hallmarking centre information, and date of hallmarking
Physical Inspection
Look for these marks on gold jewellery:
- BIS triangular logo
- Purity marking (e.g., 22K916 for 22-karat gold)
- Jeweller’s identification mark
- Hallmarking centre’s identification code
Why Gold Hallmarking is Important?
- Hallmarking serves as the primary safeguard against gold adulteration and fraudulent practices.
- Hallmarked gold ensures maximum value during resale and loan transactions.
- Legal Compliance: Since June 16, 2021, hallmarking has been mandatory across India.
India’s Hallmarking Journey
April 11, 2000: India officially launched gold hallmarking, marking “the beginning of a new era of quality consciousness for Indian connoisseurs of gold.” The Bureau of Indian Standards was designated as the sole authority for hallmarking precious metals.
2005: Silver hallmarking was introduced under the IS 2112 standard
2019: The government announced plans to make hallmarking mandatory for gold jewellery nationwide.
Recent Developments
April 2023: Six-digit HUID became mandatory for all hallmarked gold, replacing the previous four-logo system.
July 2025: 9-karat gold was included under mandatory hallmarking, expanding coverage from 14K-24K to 9K-24K, making India’s hallmarking system more comprehensive.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Certain gold items are exempt from mandatory hallmarking:
- Kundan, Polki, and Jadau jewellery (traditional styles)
- Items weighing less than 2 grams
- Gold thread articles
- Gold bullion, bars, and investment coins
- Watches and fountain pens
For detachable jewellery components, each part weighing over 2 grams must be individually hallmarked with separate HUIDs.
Gold hallmarking represents India’s commitment to consumer protection and quality standardisation in the precious metals industry. By ensuring transparency, authenticity, and traceability, the system has transformed India’s gold market into a more trustworthy and regulated ecosystem, benefiting millions of consumers while supporting the country’s position as a major global gold market.
Add a Comment