BIS Hallmarking – Introduction

Gold has always held a special place in Indian culture — symbolizing wealth, security, and tradition.
To protect consumers from adulteration and ensure that jewellers maintain a legal standard of purity, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced the Jewellers Registration Scheme.

• Gold Hallmarking Scheme – Launched in 2000
• Silver Hallmarking Scheme – Launched in 2005

Under this scheme, it is mandatory for jewellers to obtain a BIS Hallmark License to manufacture or sell gold or silver jewellery.
Over the last three years, the number of registered jewellers has increased by 18% annually, while Assaying & Hallmarking (A&H) Centres have grown by 25% per year.

"Celebrate excellence with Hallmark Registration, a symbol of distinction;
Crafted with precision, each mark a validation of perfection;
Establish trust in your precious creations, a testament to their worth;
Embrace the legacy of craftsmanship — let the Hallmark shine, illuminating your brand's rebirth."

Since it’s impossible to judge the purity of gold by appearance alone, BIS Hallmark Registration ensures trust and transparency by verifying the authenticity and purity of gold jewellery.

What is BIS Hallmark?

A Hallmark is an official mark or series of marks stamped on metal products, used to certify the content of noble metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

The BIS Hallmarking Scheme for gold and silver confirms the metal’s purity before these products are introduced to consumers.
In India, hallmarking is mandatory for selling gold and silver jewellery.

Parts of a BIS Hallmark

Earlier, the BIS Hallmark for gold consisted of five key elements (old method). Each mark confirms the metal’s compliance with BIS purity standards.

1. BIS Standard Mark

The BIS Standard Mark (a triangle logo) indicates that the jewellery has been evaluated and verified for purity by a BIS-approved Hallmarking Centre.

2. Purity Grade

Gold purity is measured in Karat (KT) and Fineness Number.
Pure gold (24KT) is too soft for jewellery, so it is alloyed with metals like silver or zinc to increase durability.

Common purity grades include:

• 22K – 916 Hallmark → 91.6% pure gold
• 18K – 750 Hallmark → 75.0% pure gold
• 14K – 585 Hallmark → 58.5% pure gold

3. Hallmarking Centre’s Mark

Each BIS-licensed Assaying & Hallmarking Centre has a unique mark stamped on every item it certifies. This allows traceability if discrepancies occur later.

4. Year of Marking

The year of hallmarking is represented by a letter code assigned by BIS.
For example:

• “A” → 2000
• “B” → 2001, and so on.

5. Jeweller’s Mark

Every BIS-accredited jeweller has a unique Jeweller Identification Mark, which is stamped on all their hallmarked jewellery.

New BIS Hallmarking System

BIS has introduced a new hallmarking system that includes a Hallmarking Unique Identification Number (HUID) along with the BIS logo and purity grade.
This enhances traceability and consumer confidence.

The Government of India made hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts mandatory from January 15, 2021, later extended to June 15, 2021 due to the pandemic.

As per the Bureau of Indian Standards (Hallmarking) Regulations, 2018, only registered jewellers can sell hallmarked jewellery through certified outlets.

You can find the list of BIS-certified jewellers and hallmarking centres on the official BIS website.

Process of BIS Hallmarking

The hallmarking process involves three key steps:

1. Homogeneity Test – Ensures all items in the batch have similar characteristics.
2. Purity Test – Verifies that the product meets BIS purity standards.
3. Product Marking – The jewellery is marked with the official BIS Hallmark.

BIS Registration for Hallmarking Showrooms / Jewellers

Any jeweller who wishes to sell BIS Hallmarked gold or silver jewellery must obtain a BIS Hallmarking Registration for each of their sales outlets.

Registration Process

Documents Required

• Property proof (Sale Deed / Rent Agreement)
• Showroom Establishment Certificate / Business Licence
• GST Certificate
• Turnover Proof
• Owner’s Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card)
• Showroom Logo
• Letterhead with Registered Email ID and Contact No.
• Showroom Location Map
• 2–3 Photographs (inside & outside)

After obtaining the licence, jewellers must comply with BIS terms and conditions.
If discrepancies in purity or compliance are found, BIS may suspend or revoke the licence and initiate penalty proceedings.

BIS Recognition of Assaying & Hallmarking Centres

Jewellers selling hallmarked jewellery must have their products tested at a BIS-Recognized Assaying & Hallmarking Centre.

These centres serve as testing laboratories that assess the purity and quality of gold and silver jewellery.
They are typically located near jewellery hubs or markets.

Assaying & Hallmarking Steps

1. Reception Section – Jewellery received and sorted based on declared purity.
2. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Testing – Initial verification of purity using XRF machines.
3. Melting Section – Samples drilled and homogenised in a melting furnace.
4. Sample Preparation – Mixing and weighing of the sample with reference metals.
5. Fire Assay Test – Gold purity determined as per IS 1418:2009 and IS 15820:2009 standards.
6. Cupellation – Base metals oxidized and absorbed, leaving noble metals.
7. Parting – Silver dissolved from the gold-silver alloy using nitric acid.

Procedure for BIS Recognition of A&H Centres

Documents Required for BIS Recognition of A&H Centres

• Premises Documents (Sale Deed / Rent Deed)
• Director / Partner ID Proof
• GST Registration Copy
• MSME Certificate
• Electricity Bill
• Centre Logo
• Pollution Control NOC
• MOA / Partnership Deed
• Details of 8 Employees (with Qualification & ID Proof)
• Prescribed BIS Hallmark Centre Application Form

BIS Hallmark Licence Fees

As per the BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018, registration and renewal fees must be paid by the 10th of every following month.
Failure to comply may result in action by BIS as per regulations.

For detailed guidance on BIS Hallmark Registration Fees in India, you can contact:
📞 +91 9990136656