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Intrinsicly evisculate emerging cutting edge scenarios redefine future-proof e-markets demand line
India’s jewellery industry is one of the oldest and most trusted in the world, yet for decades, purity claims relied solely on verbal assurances and local trust. That changed with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introducing mandatory hallmarking for gold jewellery.
In 2021, hallmarking was rolled out across the country, transforming how jewellers authenticate gold and silver. By 2025, the government has expanded mandatory hallmarking to cover 9-karat gold and issued new guidelines for silver purity testing.
This initiative is not just regulatory—it represents India’s shift towards global purity standards, consumer protection, and transparent trade.
The BIS Hallmark is the official mark of purity for gold and silver jewellery certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
It assures that the precious metal used in ornaments meets the fineness and quality declared by the seller.
Each hallmarked item carries five distinct marks:
The HUID system, launched in 2021, allows any buyer to verify the authenticity of a jewellery item through the BIS Care App or the BIS online database.
For consumers, hallmarking builds confidence that the metal purity promised is what they are paying for.
For jewellers, it’s a legal necessity that safeguards brand reputation and business continuity.
Key benefits include:
Every business dealing with gold or silver jewellery in India must register under the BIS Hallmarking Scheme:
| Entity Type | Registration Requirement |
|---|---|
| Jewellers / Retailers | Mandatory BIS registration for each store or corporate license. |
| Manufacturers / Wholesalers | Required before hallmarking products or supplying hallmarked items. |
| Corporate Chains | Can obtain one corporate licence covering multiple outlets. |
| Exporters / Importers | Required if selling or distributing hallmarked items in the Indian market. |
Even if a jeweller outsources hallmarking to an Assaying Centre, they must hold a valid BIS Jeweller Registration Number.
Visit the official BIS portal at
https://www.bis.gov.in/apply-for-jewellers-registration
and create an account under the “Jewellers Registration Scheme.”
Enter basic details such as business name, address, contact details, GST and PAN information.
OTP verification is sent to both mobile and email IDs.
Prepare and upload the following mandatory documents:
Registration fees vary depending on the number of outlets and business scale. Payment is made online through the BIS portal or NSWS gateway.
Most applications are approved instantly online and the certificate remains valid for a lifetime.
BIS or the local Assaying Centre may, however, conduct random verification or inspection.
| Required Document | Description |
|---|---|
| PAN and GST Certificate | Mandatory for all types of ownership structures |
| Address Proof | Trade license, utility bill, or lease agreement |
| Photographs | Front and interior of the premises |
| ID Proof | Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID of proprietor or director |
| Business Ownership Proof | Udyam/MSME certificate or partnership deed |
| Declaration (Form 1) | Undertaking of compliance under BIS Act 2016 |
| Stage | Responsibility | Key Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Jeweller | Registers with BIS and receives Jeweller ID | |
| Jeweller | Sends articles to nearest Assaying & Hallmarking Centre | |
| AHC | Conducts testing and verifies fineness of metal | |
| AHC | Engraves hallmark components and HUID number | |
| BIS | Records data in the centralized hallmarking database | |
| Consumer | Verifies authenticity through BIS Care App |
A typical hallmarking cycle—submission, testing, engraving, and return—takes 3 to 7 working days, depending on volume and location.
The Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID) is the most advanced traceability tool in Indian hallmarking.
It eliminates duplication and enables instant digital verification of every ornament sold in the country.
Consumers can use the BIS Care mobile app to:
This mechanism has significantly reduced the presence of spurious jewellery in the market.
| Type | Typical Fee (₹) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Jeweller Registration | 2 000 – 10 000 | Lifetime |
| Outlet Addition / Amendment | 1 000 – 5 000 | Per modification |
| Hallmark Testing (Gold) | 35 – 50 per piece | — |
| Hallmark Testing (Silver) | 25 per piece | — |
Testing charges may vary by AHC depending on capacity, ornament type, and location.
BIS hallmark registration is generally valid for a lifetime, provided the business remains operational.
If the jeweller changes the store address, ownership, or company structure, they must update their BIS profile through the portal within 30 days.
Corporate licences allow addition of multiple outlets without re-applying each time.
Under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 2016, the following penalties apply:
| Offence | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Sale of un-hallmarked or fake-hallmarked gold | Fine up to ₹2 lakh or ten times the article’s value, whichever is higher |
| Tampering with hallmark or misuse of BIS logo | Imprisonment up to one year plus fine |
| Obstructing inspection or providing false data | Suspension or cancellation of registration |
| Repeated violations | Permanent ban from hallmarking activities |
In 2025, BIS officials in Andhra Pradesh sealed an illegal hallmarking facility and imposed heavy fines for counterfeit BIS marks—an example of the strict enforcement now being carried out nationwide.
With the introduction of IS 2112: 2025, BIS has formalized purity grades for silver jewellery.
Although silver hallmarking is presently voluntary, it is expected to become mandatory over the next two years.
Recognized fineness grades for silver articles: 999, 970, 925, 900, 835, and 800.
Each hallmarked silver item will also carry an HUID number, ensuring traceability similar to gold.
Proper record keeping and internal verification are essential to maintain compliance and avoid penalties.
By expanding hallmarking to additional carat levels and introducing a digital traceability system, BIS is aligning India’s jewellery sector with international benchmarks such as LBMA purity standards.
The Bureau is also integrating hallmark data with the National Single Window System (NSWS), creating a seamless link between jewellers, assayers, and consumers.
For businesses, this means:
Green Permits Consulting provides end-to-end compliance and certification solutions to jewellers, manufacturers, and exporters seeking BIS Hallmark registration.
Our team assists with:
BIS Hallmark Certification has evolved from a voluntary mark of quality into a national benchmark that defines trust in India’s jewellery market.
Whether you are a small retailer, a large manufacturer, or an exporter, hallmark compliance is essential to sustain credibility and consumer confidence.
As the HUID system deepens digital transparency and silver hallmarking expands, jewellers must adapt quickly.
By partnering with experienced compliance advisors like Green Permits, your hallmarking process becomes seamless, lawful, and future-ready.
For consultation or documentation assistance:
Email: wecare@greenpermits.in Phone: +91 78350 06182 Website: www.greenpermits.in
Yes. Every jeweller selling gold ornaments must obtain BIS registration. Silver hallmarking remains voluntary under IS 2112: 2025.
Most registrations are approved online instantly, though inspections may take 15 – 45 days depending on region.
The Hallmark Unique Identification Number ensures each jewellery item is traceable and tamper-proof.
Yes. Corporate licences allow multiple outlets under a single registration, provided all are declared on the BIS portal.
Selling un-hallmarked jewellery is punishable under the BIS Act 2016 with fines, stock seizure, and possible imprisonment.