Introduction: Why Hallmarking Matters for Every Jeweller
In 2024, a Jaipur-based jeweller was fined ₹2 lakh for selling unhallmarked gold chains — not because his products were impure, but because his BIS license had expired. It’s a reminder that hallmarking isn’t just about purity; it’s about legal compliance and brand trust.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark ensures the purity of gold and silver jewellery under the BIS Hallmarking Scheme. For jewellers, maintaining an active BIS license is mandatory to sell hallmarked articles legally in India.
If you’re a jeweller looking to understand current hallmarking charges, renewal timelines, and compliance tips, this 2025 guide breaks it down step by step.
What is BIS Hallmarking?
BIS Hallmarking is the official certification that verifies the purity of gold or silver jewellery and artefacts sold in India. It involves testing jewellery at a BIS-recognized Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (AHC) and stamping it with a Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number.
Think of the BIS hallmark as your quality passport — it allows you to legally sell jewellery that meets purity standards and protects customers from fraud.
Current BIS Hallmarking Charges (2025 Update)
The hallmarking charges are prescribed under BIS guidelines and remain affordable for jewellers and transparent for consumers.
| Jewellery Type | Hallmarking Charge (per article) | Minimum Consignment Charge | Testing Fee (if applicable) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Jewellery / Artefacts | ₹45 per article | ₹200 per consignment | ₹200 per sample (consumer testing) | BIS FAQs / PIB Press Release (2024–25) |
| Silver Jewellery / Artefacts | ₹35 per article | ₹200 per consignment | ₹200 per sample (consumer testing) | BIS Official FAQ (2025) |
Note:
- Charges are per article, not by weight.
- These fees are payable to BIS-approved Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHCs), not directly to BIS.
- AHCs also charge annual recognition and inspection fees under Schedule II of BIS Regulations (2025).
What it means for jewellers: Always collect the hallmarking invoice from the AHC and reflect hallmarking charges transparently in your own customer invoices.
Documents Required for BIS Hallmark License Registration
Before you start or renew your hallmarking license, keep these documents ready:
- Proof of business (GST certificate / Shop Act license)
- Proof of premises ownership or rent agreement
- Proprietor/Partner ID (PAN, Aadhaar)
- Details of manufacturing or retail location
- Declaration on purity and business operations
Once registered, you receive a five-year BIS license, valid for that specific business location.
Step-by-Step: BIS Hallmark License Renewal Process (2025)
The BIS hallmark license is valid for five years from the date of issue and must be renewed before expiry.
Here’s the step-by-step renewal process for jewellers:
1. Log in to the BIS Manakonline Portal
Visit https://www.manakonline.in and log in using your BIS jeweller registration credentials.
2. Select “Renewal of Jeweller Registration”
Under the hallmarking section, choose Apply for Renewal.
3. Fill in Updated Business Details
Update information like:
- Business address (if changed)
- Contact information (mobile/email)
- Any changes in ownership or partners
- Details of new premises or branches
4. Upload Supporting Documents
Attach the latest:
- GST Certificate
- Valid ID proof of authorized signatory
- Sales & hallmarking summary for the previous license period
- Payment receipt of renewal fee
5. Pay the Renewal Fee
Renewal fee: ₹7,500 + applicable service charges.
(For context, the CPCB’s official fee schedule for similar registrations lists ₹7,500 as the base renewal cost for recyclers/refurbishers, showing BIS alignment in its renewal framework.)
6. BIS Review & Approval
BIS reviews applications within 30 working days. Incomplete applications are flagged via the portal.
Once approved, the renewed license is issued digitally with an updated license number and validity.
Renewal Validity and Late Submission
| Renewal Window | Action / Fee |
|---|---|
| Before expiry | Normal renewal (₹7,500) |
| After expiry (within 30 days) | Late fee up to ₹5,000 |
| After 30 days | Treated as a new registration |
Tip: Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry to avoid penalties or suspension.
Common Reasons for Renewal Rejection
- Mismatch in address between GST and BIS portal
- Expired AHC association
- Pending dues or unsubmitted annual reports
- Incorrect contact or email verification (OTP failure)
Always update your profile via BIS “Edit Profile” before renewal. The Instruction Sheet for Profile Amendment (CPCB 2024) outlines OTP-based verification for any email or contact update.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operating without a valid BIS hallmark license can lead to serious penalties under the BIS Act, 2016:
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Selling unhallmarked jewellery | Fine up to ₹2 lakh or five times the value of goods, whichever is higher |
| Misuse of HUID or fake hallmarking | License suspension and prosecution |
| Failure to renew license | Treated as unregistered; goods subject to seizure |
Example: In June 2025, BIS authorities in Kerala and Delhi conducted raids on unregistered jewellers selling non-HUID gold, leading to product seizures and legal notices.
2025 Update: Silver Hallmarking Now HUID-Based (Voluntary Stage)
Since September 2025, BIS introduced HUID-based hallmarking for silver jewellery under IS 2112:2025.
This is currently voluntary, but jewellers are advised to register early to align with future compliance requirements.
(Source: ET Wealth, Sept 2025)
Timeline for BIS License Lifecycle
| Stage | Duration | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Initial registration approval | ~30 working days | BIS HQ / Regional Office |
| Validity period | 5 years | BIS |
| Renewal window | 30 days before expiry | BIS Portal |
| Physical verification (if required) | Within 3 months of renewal | BIS / AHC officials |
Benefits of Timely Renewal
- Continues your authorization to sell hallmarked gold and silver
- Maintains eligibility for AHC hallmarking services
- Protects your BIS-registered brand reputation
- Prevents license suspension or penalties
Remember, the renewal is not just a formality — it’s a statement that your brand remains trustworthy, compliant, and ready for inspection anytime.
Green Permits Advisory: Simplifying BIS Compliance
At Green Permits Consulting, we help jewellers:
- Obtain or renew their BIS hallmark license
- Prepare correct documentation and online portal submissions
- Liaise with BIS officials for faster approval
- Manage compliance audits and reporting
Conclusion
BIS hallmarking compliance is no longer optional — it’s a legal and reputational necessity.
Renew your license well before expiry, maintain transparent hallmarking charges, and stay aligned with BIS updates for 2025.
With Green Permits, jewellers can focus on craftsmanship while we handle the compliance complexities.
BIS hallmarking — your mark of trust, backed by expert compliance.
📞 +91 78350 06182 | 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
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Frequently Asked Questions
Five years from the date of issue. Renewal must be filed before expiry.
₹45 per gold article and ₹35 per silver article, with a minimum consignment fee of ₹200.
Yes. Log in to manakonline.in and apply under Renewal of Jeweller Registration.
A late fee (up to ₹5,000) applies, and operations may be suspended until re-registration.
From September 2025, it’s voluntary but strongly encouraged under IS 2112:2025.
