Hallmark Registration in India

Hallmark Registration in India – An Overview

Hallmark registration in India, managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), certifies the quality and purity of precious metals such as gold and silver according to specific Indian Standards. Through BIS Hallmark Registration, jewellers can offer certified precious metal articles that meet strict purity standards, as indicated by the Fineness Number and the BIS Hallmark Logo.

For consumers, hallmarked jewellery provides guarantees of quality and authenticity. For jewellers, obtaining BIS certification builds trust and market credibility, as the Hallmark Registration Certificate can be displayed publicly. Each certified piece carries a Jeweller Mark and the Hallmarking Centre’s Mark, ensuring the precise determination of metal purity.

BIS Certification Process for Jewellers

Jewellers seeking BIS certification must enroll in the Jewellers Registration Scheme, which requires the submission of several documents, including:

Address proof of the company
GST registration certificate
ID proof (Aadhaar card or PAN card)
Additional business details, such as annual turnover and compliance with the Gold Hallmarking Scheme

Submitted jewellery is tested at BIS Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (A&H Centres) in accordance with standards such as IS 15820. Once approved, jewellers receive a hallmark license and the right to mark their products, ensuring compliance with the Hallmarking Scheme’s objectives.

BIS-certified jewellers also benefit from support in documentation, including Chartered Accountant (CA) certificates and prescribed fees. Service providers like Vakilsearch help streamline the process, from company registration to product testing, allowing jewellers to comply with BIS standards efficiently.

This hallmark registration process, backed by the Government of India, not only assures product quality but also enhances a jeweller’s reputation, making BIS Hallmarked jewellery a trusted choice for consumers.

New Hallmarking Method (Effective 1 April 2023)

The Bureau of Indian Standards introduced a new hallmarking method on 1 April 2023, making the 6-digit Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID) mandatory for all gold jewellery.

All gold jewellery sold or purchased in India must now carry the HUID.
Jewellers can sell HUID-marked gold jewellery only through certified outlets.
The HUID ensures that each piece of jewellery is traceable, meets required purity standards, and enhances transparency and consumer trust.

Purpose of Hallmarking

The primary purpose of gold hallmarking is to verify the purity and fineness of the metal. This process protects consumers from fraud by ensuring that jewellery meets the correct standards. A hallmark includes information such as the purity level and a special stamp that certifies the metal is genuine.

Hallmarking applies not only to gold but also to other precious metals like silver and platinum, ensuring that customers receive authentic, high-quality products.

Types of Precious Metals Covered Under Hallmarking

Hallmarking standards ensure that gold, silver, and platinum items comply with quality and legal requirements. This provides both jewellers and buyers with confidence in the product’s authenticity.

Gold

For gold, hallmarking confirms different levels of purity. The hallmark typically includes a stamp indicating the karat of the gold. Examples include:

999 – Represents 24-karat gold with 99.9% purity, the purest form of gold.

Hallmarks also include symbols that indicate the metal’s purity and authenticity, giving buyers assurance that the gold is genuine.

Grading of Gold Based on Purity Levels

Type	Gold %	Other Metal %
24 karat gold	99.99% of pure gold	No other metals
22 karat gold	91.6% pure gold	8.4% made up of other metals
21 karat gold	87.5% pure gold	12.5% made up of other metals
18 karat gold	75% pure gold	25% made up of other metals

Silver

Hallmarking for silver ensures the metal’s purity and authenticity through specific symbols. Key indicators include:

925 – Indicates that the silver is 92.5% pure, which is the standard for quality silver.
Maker’s Mark – Identifies the manufacturer or jeweller.
Town Mark – Shows the location where the silver item was assayed.
Lion Passant – Represents sterling silver, confirming its high quality.

Platinum

Hallmarking for platinum confirms the metal’s purity and authenticity through specific symbols:

99.9 – Represents the purest platinum with 99.9% purity.
95 – Indicates 95% pure platinum, commonly used in jewellery.
Additional Symbols – Platinum hallmarks often include a diamond shape and balance scales, which indicate the metal’s fineness.

These hallmark symbols, along with those for gold and silver, ensure that jewellery is of high quality and meets all required standards for authenticity and purity.

Role of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in Hallmarking

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a crucial role in maintaining the purity and quality of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. Here’s how BIS oversees the hallmarking process:

Creating Standards – BIS establishes rules to ensure the fineness and quality of gold, silver, and platinum, protecting buyers from fraud.
Managing the Hallmarking Scheme – BIS operates the hallmarking scheme, guiding jewellers on certifying their products and adhering to strict quality standards.
Certification – BIS provides certifications to jewellers and manufacturers who meet these standards. Only certified jewellers are authorized to use the hallmark stamp, proving product purity.
Ensuring Purity – BIS monitors certified metals to ensure they maintain their stated purity, giving consumers confidence in their purchases.
Consistency – BIS standardizes hallmarking procedures and symbols so that the process is uniform for all jewellers.
Handling Complaints – BIS provides a system for consumers to report issues with hallmarked jewellery and ensures that complaints are addressed.
Assisting Manufacturers – BIS supports manufacturers in complying with rules and obtaining hallmark certification.
Auditing and Inspection – BIS regularly inspects hallmarking centres to ensure compliance, keeping the process fair and trustworthy.

Through these measures, BIS guarantees that gold, silver, and platinum jewellery meets high-quality standards, helping consumers buy with confidence.

Benefits of Hallmark Registration for Jewellers

Hallmark registration plays a vital role in the jewellery industry, ensuring quality, trust, and legal compliance for both jewellers and consumers. Key benefits include:

Credibility – Hallmark registration enhances a jeweller’s reputation by verifying that their products meet established purity and quality standards.
Building Trust – Consumers can buy with confidence, knowing the gold or silver they purchase is genuine and meets correct fineness standards.
Consumer Confidence – Registered hallmarked jewellery strengthens the client-customer relationship, boosting trust in the quality of the precious metals.
Legal Protection – Jewellers complying with BIS guidelines gain legal safeguards against potential violations or disputes.
Quality Assurance – The hallmark serves as an official certificate of purity and quality, assuring consumers of authenticity.
Registration Certificate – Possessing a hallmark registration certificate adds value to the jewellery, proving regulatory compliance.
Transparency – Hallmarking promotes fair trade practices, protecting buyers from fraud and unethical practices.
Cost Efficiency – While there are compliance costs, the benefits of increased trust, legal protection, and market credibility make it a worthwhile investment.
Protection for Buyers – Hallmarked jewellery guarantees that consumers receive gold and silver of the required quality and purity.
Enhanced Value – Jewellery with a hallmark holds higher market value, backed by its verified purity and compliance with BIS standards.

These advantages demonstrate how hallmark registration positively impacts the jewellery industry, fostering trust, transparency, and long-term value for both jewellers and customers.

Legal Framework Governing Hallmark Registration in India

India has established a legal framework to ensure that precious metals such as gold and silver meet strict standards of purity and quality. This framework is primarily based on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016, which governs the hallmarking process.

Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016

The BIS Act, 2016 is the principal legislation empowering the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to set standards for a wide range of products, including precious metals. Under this Act, BIS is authorized to formulate rules, issue notifications, and enforce orders to ensure products comply with Indian standards, thereby guaranteeing safety, reliability, and quality.

Mandatory Hallmarking Rules for Precious Metals

Since 1st July 2021, hallmarking of gold jewellery has been mandatory in India. From 1st April 2023, the requirement was further expanded to cover additional jewellers and regions. Under these rules, all gold jewellery must bear the BIS hallmark along with a Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number, which certifies its purity and fineness. The hallmark indicates the jewellery’s carat, purity, and certification by an approved assay centre.

Compliance with BIS Guidelines for Jewellers

Jewellers are required to comply with BIS regulations by registering with the Bureau and having their products tested at BIS-approved assay centres. They must ensure that all gold jewellery and other precious metal items meet prescribed purity and fineness standards. Additionally, jewellers are required to display the hallmark symbol prominently in their stores to assure customers of the authenticity and quality of their products.

Enforcement of Hallmarking Standards

Under the BIS Act, 2016 and the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Artefacts Order, 2020, jewellers must obtain a BIS licence to sell hallmarked jewellery. BIS conducts regular audits and inspections of jewellers and assay centres to ensure compliance. Non-compliance may result in penalties, suspension of licences, or legal action.

This legal framework ensures that the hallmarking process in India protects both jewellers and consumers by guaranteeing the purity, quality, and authenticity of gold and other precious metal items.

Types of BIS Hallmarking Registration Certificate

In India, there are two types of BIS hallmarking registration certificates:

BIS Registration for Jewellers or Showroom

This registration is mandatory for jewellers who manufacture or sell gold and silver jewellery. Under the hallmarking scheme, BIS grants registration to jewellers for a specific business location. Each sales outlet must obtain separate hallmark registration in order to sell BIS hallmarked jewellery. Registered jewellers are authorized to get their jewellery hallmarked from BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centres.

BIS Recognition of Assaying & Hallmarking Centre

An Assaying and Hallmarking Centre is a BIS-certified third-party facility responsible for testing the purity of precious metals and stamping the hallmark. Such centres must obtain formal recognition from BIS before commencing operations and can apply directly to BIS for certification.

Eligibility and Requirements for Hallmark Registration

If you deal with gold or other precious metals in India, obtaining hallmark registration from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory. This registration certifies that your products meet prescribed purity and quality standards.

Who Needs to Apply for Hallmark Registration?

The following entities are required to obtain hallmark registration:

Jewellers and Retailers: Any business selling gold or precious metal jewellery must register to verify that their products are genuine and meet the required purity levels.
Jewellery Manufacturers: Those who manufacture gold or precious metal jewellery must register to ensure their products can be certified before sale.
Exporters and Importers: Businesses involved in importing or exporting gold or precious metals must register to demonstrate that their products comply with Indian quality standards.

Who Is Not Eligible for Hallmark Registration?

Certain individuals or entities are temporarily or permanently ineligible to apply:

If a hallmark registration is cancelled under sub-regulation 1(e) of Regulation 7 of the BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations, 2018, the entity cannot reapply for a new certificate until one year has passed from the date of cancellation.
Any individual convicted under the Act is barred from applying for hallmark registration for one year from the date of conviction.

Documents Required for Hallmark Registration

Certificate of registration issued by ROC along with Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Registered partnership deed (for partnership firms)
CA certificate (for proprietorship firms)
CA certificate in case turnover exceeds ₹40 lakhs
GST registration certificate
Sale deed or lease deed agreement of the premises
Income tax assessment order
Rent agreement along with latest rent receipt
Latest property tax receipt
Registration with relevant state government authority
Copy of Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, driving license, voter ID, or photo ID issued by a Gazetted Officer
Aadhaar-based verification or e-signature
Location map showing the premises from the nearest landmark for each outlet
Copy of GST returns of the previous financial year
If the firm is newly established, an undertaking stating expected turnover and assurance to submit GST returns

Hallmarking Procedure in India

The hallmarking procedure consists of three stages:

Homogeneity Testing

During homogeneity testing, all items within a selected sample batch are examined to ensure that they meet BIS regulatory standards and maintain consistency in quality.

Purity Testing

Purity testing is the most critical stage of the hallmarking process. One item out of every 50 similar items is randomly selected. A preliminary surface test is conducted, followed by the extraction of smaller samples for detailed examination. Advanced assay testing is then performed to determine the gold’s value, purity, and fineness.

Methods Used for Purity Testing

These testing methods ensure consumer protection by confirming that precious metals meet the required standards of purity and quality.

Assay Testing: A traditional and highly accurate method used to determine metal fineness by separating impurities.
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Testing: A non-destructive method using X-ray technology to quickly measure metal purity.
Fire Assay Testing (Cupellation): One of the most reliable methods where the metal is melted to separate impurities and confirm the exact purity level.
Spectroscopy: Uses light-based analysis to evaluate the composition and fineness of precious metals.

Individual Item Marking

After completion of all testing procedures, each item is marked individually. Hallmarks are applied using laser marking, press marking, or hand marking based on the final test results.

Procedure for Hallmark Registration in India With FilingIndia

Hallmark registration in India is essential for ensuring the authenticity and quality of precious metals and jewellery. With FilingIndia, you can navigate this process smoothly with expert guidance and streamlined services tailored to your hallmark registration requirements.

Consultation

The process begins with a consultation with FilingIndia to understand the hallmark registration procedure, applicable fees, and documentation requirements. This entire process can be completed online through our team.

Documentation

After consultation, FilingIndia guides you on compiling all required documents and information, including the application form, proof of ownership of precious metals, and other supporting documents.

Application Submission

Once the documentation is complete, FilingIndia assists in submitting your hallmark registration application to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Application Review

The nearest BIS-recognized hallmarking centre reviews the application and conducts an inspection of the precious metals to ensure compliance with prescribed standards.

Hallmarking

If the inspection is successful, BIS hallmarks the precious metal with a unique identification code that certifies its quality and authenticity.

Issuance of Certificate

Upon successful hallmarking, BIS issues the official Hallmark Registration Certificate to the applicant.

Renewal

The hallmark registration remains valid for one year and must be renewed thereafter. FilingIndia provides continued support for the renewal process to ensure uninterrupted compliance.

Disclaimer

The hallmark registration process typically takes 30 to 45 days, depending on the completeness of documentation and approval by the hallmarking centre. FilingIndia provides professional assistance throughout the process; however, approval is subject solely to BIS and hallmarking centre criteria. Proper compliance with all requirements is essential to avoid delays or rejection.

Post-Registration Compliance for Hallmark License Holders

Once a business obtains a hallmark license, it must comply with specific rules and procedures to maintain the license and avoid penalties.

Ensuring Compliance with Hallmarking Guidelines

Businesses are required to adhere to BIS guidelines at all times. All gold and other precious metals must be tested at BIS-authorized hallmarking centres before being sold.

Testing and Certification of Precious Metals

Jewellery and precious metals must undergo testing for purity at BIS-approved centres. Upon successful testing, the items receive a certificate confirming they meet the prescribed standards.

Regular Audits by BIS Officials

BIS conducts regular audits and inspections to ensure businesses follow the rules, including correct use of hallmarks and proper testing procedures.

Maintenance of Records and Documentation

Businesses must maintain accurate records and documentation of all transactions and certifications. These records should include details of metals tested, quantities, and the certificates issued.

Renewal of Hallmark Registration

Hallmark licenses must be renewed before expiry. Renewal requires submitting an application, paying the required fees, and providing any updated information.

Steps to Renew a Hallmark License:

Submit Renewal Application – Complete and submit the renewal form to BIS.
Pay Renewal Fees – Pay the prescribed fee to continue the process.
BIS Review – BIS evaluates the application and checks compliance history.
Receive Certificate – Upon approval, a renewed certificate is issued, allowing continued sale of hallmarked products.

Penalties for Non-Compliance or Delay in Renewal

Failure to comply with BIS rules or delays in renewing the license may result in:

Fines – Penalties for non-compliance or late renewal.
Suspension of License – BIS may suspend the license until compliance is restored.
Legal Action – Persistent violations can lead to legal proceedings, potentially harming the business’s reputation.

By maintaining compliance and renewing licenses on time, businesses can continue operating smoothly while safeguarding customers’ trust in the purity and quality of their products.

How to Identify Hallmarked Jewellery

Identifying hallmarked jewellery is essential to ensure authenticity, purity, and compliance with regulatory standards. Here are key tips to help you recognize genuine hallmarked pieces:

1. Look for the BIS Hallmark

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is responsible for hallmarking jewellery in India. Genuine hallmarked jewellery bears the BIS logo, which is a triangle containing the letters “BIS”.

2. Check the Purity Grade

The hallmark also indicates the purity of the metal. For gold, this ranges from 14K to 22K, and for silver, it ranges from 825 to 999. The purity grade is marked alongside the BIS logo.

3. Look for the Jeweller’s Identification Mark

Every jeweller registered with BIS is assigned a unique identification mark. This may appear as a logo or a code engraved on the jewellery, helping trace it back to the registered jeweller.

4. Check the Year of Hallmarking

The hallmark includes the year in which the jewellery was hallmarked. This indicates the time of certification, which is important as hallmarking standards may change over time.

5. Verify the Hallmark

To ensure authenticity, you can verify the hallmark using the BIS website or the BIS mobile app. Enter the unique hallmarking code to confirm the jewellery’s certification and purity.

By following these steps, buyers can confidently identify genuine hallmarked jewellery and ensure that they are investing in authentic, high-quality precious metal products.

Why Choose FilingIndia for Hallmark Registration?

Hallmark registration is a critical step for jewellers, manufacturers, and traders of precious metals to ensure their products meet legal purity and quality standards. FilingIndia simplifies this process, offering a trusted, efficient, and hassle-free solution.

1. Expertise in BIS Hallmarking Compliance

FilingIndia has a team of experts familiar with BIS rules, regulations, and documentation requirements. We guide businesses through the entire hallmark registration process, ensuring full compliance with the BIS Act, 2016 and the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Artefacts Order, 2020.

2. End-to-End Support

From application preparation and submission to liaison with BIS-approved assay centres, FilingIndia provides complete support. We ensure that your application is processed smoothly and efficiently, reducing delays and errors.

3. Quick and Hassle-Free Process

Navigating BIS hallmark registration can be time-consuming and complex. FilingIndia streamlines the process with step-by-step guidance, helping you obtain your hallmark license quickly and without unnecessary complications.

4. Compliance Assistance

Once your hallmark license is issued, FilingIndia helps you maintain compliance, including:

Renewal of hallmark registration
Guidance on BIS-approved testing and certification
Record-keeping and documentation for audits
Avoiding penalties for non-compliance

5. Trusted Partner for Businesses

With a strong focus on accuracy, transparency, and customer support, FilingIndia has helped hundreds of jewellers and precious metal traders obtain and maintain hallmark registration. Our goal is to make your hallmarking process smooth, reliable, and stress-free.

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Hallmark Registration in India