Introduction — The Change Every Jeweller Must Know
In 2025, India’s hallmarking landscape entered a new phase. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has revised its hallmarking framework for gold and silver, introducing new purity grades, HUID-based traceability, and stricter digital compliance.
Many jewellers and manufacturers are now asking — “What really changed?”
Here’s a clear, side-by-side comparison to help you stay compliant and avoid disruptions in your jewellery business.
Real Example:
A Jaipur-based jeweller delayed updating to the HUID system and saw a two-month hold on their BIS licence renewal. Understanding the new hallmarking norms early helps avoid such costly delays.
What Is BIS Hallmarking and Why It Matters
BIS hallmarking is a government-certified assurance of purity for precious metals like gold and silver. It protects consumers from adulteration and ensures that manufacturers, refiners, and retailers adhere to uniform quality standards.
From July 2021, hallmarking became mandatory for gold, and now — from September 1, 2025 — the same traceability applies to silver as well under the new IS 2112:2025 standard.
For businesses, hallmarking is not just about purity; it is about:
- Faster market access through BIS recognition
- Higher consumer trust and brand credibility
- Legal compliance under the BIS Act, 2016 and Hallmarking Regulations 2018
Key Differences Between the Old and New BIS Hallmarking Rules (2025 Update)
| Aspect | Old Rules (Till 2024) | New Rules (From 2025) | Impact on Jewellers & Manufacturers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope of Metals | Gold hallmarking mandatory (14K, 18K, 22K) | Silver hallmarking added (IS 2112:2025) + 9K gold included | Broader compliance coverage; jewellers dealing in silver or 9K gold must register |
| Marking System | 4-mark system: BIS logo, fineness number, jeweller ID, hallmarking centre mark | Single-digit HUID code (6-digit alphanumeric) linked to BIS Care App | Full digital traceability; no manual stamp duplication |
| Standard Codes | IS 1417:2016 (Gold); IS 2112:2014 (Silver) | IS 1417:2024 (Gold update); IS 2112:2025 (Silver) | Updated specifications and purity grades |
| Purity Grades | Gold: 14K, 18K, 22K; Silver: 990, 970, 925, 800 | Gold: +9K added; Silver: new grades 958 & 999 introduced | Wider product certification range |
| Registration & Traceability | Manual record-keeping by AHCs and jewellers | HUID QR-based tracking through BIS Care mobile app | Every article traceable by consumers |
| Voluntary vs Mandatory | Voluntary hallmarking for silver | Mandatory from Sept 1, 2025 | Existing stock allowed till Aug 31, 2025 |
| Testing & Marking Centres | Manual process via BIS-approved AHCs | Digitally connected AHCs with BIS portal sync | Real-time authentication & data storage |
| Fees & Validity | Registration valid 5 years; manual renewal | Online renewal via BIS portal; same validity | Streamlined licence management |
| Penalties for Non-Compliance | Up to ₹2 lakh fine under BIS Act §29 | Seizure, cancellation, and brand suspension for repeat offences | Stronger enforcement and visibility of defaulters |
Why BIS Updated the Hallmarking Rules in 2025
The 2025 revision was not just a cosmetic update — it was driven by India’s ambition to create one digital purity ecosystem for precious metals.
The 3 Main Objectives:
- Digital Transparency: Every piece of jewellery now has a verifiable HUID traceable on the BIS Care app.
- Global Alignment: Aligning Indian standards (IS 2112:2025) with international hallmarking norms like ISO 9202.
- Consumer Confidence: Reducing fraud and improving purity consistency across regional markets.
Compliance Process for Jewellers under the 2025 Hallmarking System
Step 1: BIS Registration
Apply for jeweller registration on www.manakonline.in. Provide business details, GST, PAN, and manufacturing address.
Step 2: Testing & Hallmarking at BIS-Recognized AHCs
Submit jewellery to a BIS-approved Assaying & Hallmarking Centre. The AHC verifies purity, issues the hallmark, and uploads HUID data digitally.
Step 3: Upload to BIS Portal & Display Hallmarking Certificate
Display the BIS registration certificate prominently in-store and mention HUID codes on invoices.
Step 4: Renewal & Record Keeping
Renew registration every 5 years and maintain digital transaction logs for each hallmarked item.
What Happens to Existing (Pre-2025) Hallmarked Jewellery?
- Gold jewellery with old 4-mark hallmarks remains valid and saleable.
- Silver jewellery without HUID hallmark can be sold only till August 31, 2025.
- After that, all new articles must carry a HUID QR mark.
- Stock verification drives are expected across major jewellery clusters (Surat, Jaipur, Thrissur, Hyderabad).
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance can attract:
- Fines up to ₹2 lakh under the BIS Act 2016
- Seizure or cancellation of hallmark licence
- Public listing of defaulting jewellers on BIS website
Jewellers who fail to upgrade to the HUID system before the September 2025 deadline risk being flagged on BIS’s national registry.
How Importers and Online Sellers Are Affected
- Imported jewellery must also bear HUID-enabled BIS hallmarking before being sold in India.
- E-commerce platforms must ensure BIS-certified listings only.
- Customs may block imports without BIS marking, in line with DGFT trade notifications.
How to Verify BIS Hallmark Online
Use the BIS Care App:
- Open the app → Select Verify HUID
- Enter the 6-digit alphanumeric HUID code
- View details: purity, jeweller name, AHC, date of hallmarking
Consumers can now scan, verify, and even report fake jewellery directly through the app — a first in India’s hallmarking ecosystem.
Transition Timeline (2024 – 2025)
| Milestone | Key Implementation |
|---|---|
| Oct 2024 – Mar 2025 | Voluntary silver hallmarking under IS 2112:2025 |
| Apr – Aug 2025 | Transition window: old 4-mark & new HUID both accepted |
| Sept 1, 2025 | Mandatory HUID hallmarking for all silver articles |
| July 1, 2025 | 9-carat gold hallmarking added under BIS Act |
| 2026 onward | Full digital traceability + quarterly compliance audit |
What This Means for Jewellers and Manufacturers
If you are a BIS-registered jeweller:
- Update your hallmarking equipment to support QR/HUID laser marks.
- Train staff in BIS Care App verification.
- Coordinate with your nearest AHC for software integration and timely renewal.
Tip: Jewellers setting up new hallmarking or refining facilities can consult Green Permits for BIS registration, documentation, and environmental compliance (Air & Water Act CTE/CTO support).
Conclusion — The Future Is Digital and Transparent
The 2025 hallmarking update marks a major shift from manual to digital traceability. For jewellers, manufacturers, and importers, this is not merely a regulatory burden — it’s a chance to boost consumer confidence and simplify audits.
By embracing the new BIS HUID-based hallmarking system, your business stays future-ready, credible, and legally compliant.
Book a Consultation with Green Permits
BIS hallmarking can feel complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Green Permits helps jewellers, importers, and manufacturers obtain and renew their BIS licences, upgrade hallmarking facilities, and stay compliant under the 2025 rules.
📞 +91 78350 06182 | 📧 wecare@greenpermits.in
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FAQS
From Sept 1, 2025, silver hallmarking becomes mandatory under IS 2112:2025, and all gold and silver jewellery must carry a digital HUID code.
The old 4-mark stamp is replaced by a 6-digit HUID for full online traceability through the BIS Care App.
Yes. Silver hallmarking is compulsory from Sept 1, 2025; older four-mark stock can be sold only till Aug 31, 2025.
Use the BIS Care App, select Verify HUID, enter the 6-digit code, and check purity, jeweller, and centre details.
Selling non-hallmarked jewellery can lead to ₹2 lakh fine, seizure, or licence cancellation under the BIS Act 2016.
