Introduction: Why Hallmarking Matters for Every Jeweller in India
Last year, a small jewellery retailer in Jaipur faced a two-month suspension after BIS inspectors discovered that his supplier used an unrecognized hallmarking centre. The issue wasn’t quality — it was compliance.
Since 2021, BIS Hallmarking has become mandatory across India, ensuring purity assurance and consumer trust. But for jewellers, choosing the right hallmarking centre is as critical as the jewellery they sell.
This blog breaks down everything you need to know — the complete list of hallmarking centres, how to verify them, and the official BIS guidelines for compliance in 2025.
What is a Hallmarking Centre?
A BIS Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (AHC) is an independent laboratory authorized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to check and certify the purity of gold and silver articles.
Each centre must meet stringent norms related to:
- Calibration and testing equipment (spectrometers, balances, furnaces)
- Qualified assayers and laboratory technicians
- Quality assurance and traceability through HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) codes
If you’re a jeweller or manufacturer, using a BIS-recognized AHC ensures your products legally carry the “BIS Hallmark”, as required under the BIS Hallmarking Order, 2021.
BIS Hallmarking Rules – 2025 Update
BIS hallmarking was introduced to curb adulteration and protect consumers. The scheme has evolved through several phases:
| Phase | Coverage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Phase I (June 2021) | 256 districts | Mandatory for 14, 18, 22 carat gold |
| Phase II (Apr 2022) | 288 districts | Silver articles included |
| Phase III (Jul 2023) | 343 districts | Mandatory hallmarking of 6 lakh outlets |
| Phase IV (Mar 2024) | 361 districts | Expansion to 18 new districts + 1,060 hallmarking centres operational |
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), BIS Hallmarking Notifications
For 2025, BIS plans to link all active centres through a centralized digital compliance dashboard.
Complete List of BIS-Recognized Hallmarking Centres (2025)
As of January 2025, India has over 1,060 operational Assaying & Hallmarking Centres across 36 states and UTs.
Here’s a quick overview (you can also download the official list from BIS.gov.in).
| Region | Top Cities / States Covered | Approx. No. of Centres |
|---|---|---|
| North India | Delhi, Jaipur, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Lucknow | 230+ |
| West India | Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Nagpur, Pune | 250+ |
| South India | Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Bengaluru | 290+ |
| East India | Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Ranchi | 150+ |
| Central & NE | Indore, Raipur, Shillong, Itanagar | 100+ |
🔗 Official BIS AHC List (2025):
https://www.bis.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/AHC-LIST-WITH-LOGOS-FOR-INTRANET.pdf
How to Verify if a Hallmarking Centre is BIS-Recognized
To prevent fraudulent hallmarking, BIS now mandates HUID traceability for every jewellery item. Here’s how you can verify a hallmarking centre:
- Visit the BIS Portal → www.bis.gov.in
- Go to “Hallmarking Centre List” section.
- Check if the centre name, recognition number, and address match your supplier’s details.
- Use the BIS CARE App to verify the HUID number printed on the jewellery tag.
Avoid using unregistered centres — BIS penalizes jewellers who sell hallmarked jewellery from unapproved labs.
Eligibility & Guidelines for Setting Up a Hallmarking Centre
If you’re planning to start a hallmarking or assaying facility, BIS requires the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Ownership Type | Proprietorship, Partnership, LLP, or Private Limited |
| Minimum Lab Space | 2000 sq. ft. (with separate assay and testing rooms) |
| Mandatory Equipment | Fire Assay Furnace, XRF Machine, Spectrometer, Precision Balances |
| Quality System | ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation preferred |
| Application Portal | www.manakonline.in |
| Registration Fee | ₹50,000 (approx) + testing setup investment |
| Validity | 3 years (renewable after inspection) |
Tip: Green Permits assists in the complete BIS recognition process — from documentation to inspection readiness.
Documents Required for Hallmarking Centre Recognition
- Company registration certificate (LLP / Pvt. Ltd.)
- Land / lease deed of premises
- Calibration certificates of all testing equipment
- Staff qualification details
- Fire safety and occupational safety compliance
- Pollution NOC (where applicable)
- Layout plan with equipment placement
- Fee payment receipt
Roles & Responsibilities of an A&H Centre
Every BIS-approved hallmarking centre must:
- Accept jewellery only from BIS-licensed jewellers
- Verify and hallmark each piece as per purity standards
- Generate a Hallmark Certificate with HUID code
- Maintain a digital record of each transaction for BIS audits
- Report any discrepancy or counterfeit hallmarks to BIS regional office
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Operating without proper BIS registration or hallmarking through unrecognized labs can attract severe penalties:
| Offence | Penalty / Action |
|---|---|
| Selling unhallmarked jewellery | Up to ₹2 lakh fine + product seizure |
| Use of fake hallmark | Prosecution under BIS Act, 2016 |
| Operating unregistered hallmark centre | Immediate closure + legal action |
| Repeated violation | BIS license cancellation + criminal proceedings |
(Source: BIS Act 2016, Hallmarking Order 2021)
Consumer Verification – HUID Explained
Each hallmarked jewellery item carries a 6-digit HUID code engraved on it.
This code can be verified through the BIS CARE App, showing:
- Jeweller’s name and license number
- Purity and carat
- Hallmarking centre details
- Date of hallmarking
This system eliminates duplicate hallmarking and ensures traceability.
Benefits of Using Recognized Hallmarking Centres
- Builds consumer trust and authenticity
- Protects jewellers from BIS penalties
- Simplifies export documentation (especially for Dubai, UK, Singapore markets)
- Enables digital traceability and inventory tracking
- Enhances resale value of jewellery
How Green Permits Helps Jewellers & Hallmark Centres
At Green Permits Consulting, we assist jewellers, manufacturers, and new entrepreneurs in:
- BIS registration & renewal process
- Setting up new Hallmarking or Assaying Centres
- Obtaining testing lab approvals & layout design support
- Handling BIS inspections & audits
- Ensuring long-term compliance with CPCB & MoEFCC regulations
Conclusion
BIS hallmarking isn’t just a label — it’s a national standard of trust.
With 1,000+ recognized centres and digital HUID traceability, the system ensures every piece of gold or silver jewellery in India is authentic and tested.
If you’re a jeweller or manufacturer, partnering with the right BIS-recognized hallmarking centre — or setting up your own with expert help — ensures compliance, credibility, and confidence in every gram of gold you sell.
📞 Contact: +91 78350 06182
📧 Email: wecare@greenpermits.in
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FAQs
As of 2025, there are over 1,060 BIS-recognized hallmarking centres across India (Source: PIB).
Visit the official BIS website → Hallmarking Centres List → Search by state, city, or registration number.
Typically 3 years, subject to renewal after BIS inspection.
Yes. Applications are submitted via the BIS Manakonline Portal with required documents and fees.
BIS may impose fines up to ₹2 lakh, suspend licenses, or prosecute under the BIS Act, 2016.
