Understanding the Assurance of Hallmarking
Hallmarking is a system regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that certifies the purity of precious metals like gold and silver. For consumers, a BIS hallmark acts as a government-backed guarantee that the gold you are buying meets a specific
standard of fineness. Since June 2021, hallmarking has been mandatory for gold jewellery sold across many districts in India, a move designed to protect consumers from the common issue of under-karatage. As of August 2026, this rule applies to 392 districts, making it illegal for registered jewellers in these areas to sell non-hallmarked gold items. This system replaces reliance on a jeweller's word with a verifiable, standardised process, ensuring transparency and protecting your investment.
The Three Mandatory Marks to Look For
To ensure your gold is authentic, look for three specific marks engraved on the jewellery. Before 2021, the system involved more symbols, but it has since been simplified for clarity. Today, every newly hallmarked piece must feature: 1. The BIS Logo: A small, triangular symbol that confirms the item has been certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards. 2. Purity and Fineness Grade: This indicates the purity of the gold. For example, a 22-karat piece will be marked '22K916'. 3. The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) Number: This is a six-digit alphanumeric code that is unique to each piece of jewellery. If any of these three marks are missing on a new item, it should be considered a red flag.
Decoding Karats and Fineness Numbers
The number stamped on your jewellery, such as 916 or 750, directly relates to its purity in karats. Gold in its purest form is 24 karats, but it is too soft for making durable jewellery. To increase strength, it's mixed with other metals like copper or silver. The term '916 gold' simply means the jewellery is made of 91.6% pure gold, which corresponds to 22 karats (22/24 = 91.6%). This is the most popular purity for traditional Indian gold jewellery. Other common purity levels you'll encounter are 18K (75% pure gold, marked as '750') and 14K (58.3% pure, marked as '585'). Understanding this helps you know exactly what you are paying for.
The Power of the HUID Number
The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number is arguably the most significant consumer protection tool introduced in the hallmarking system. Made mandatory for all new hallmarked items from April 2023, this six-digit code acts like a digital fingerprint for your jewellery. It allows the item to be traced from the manufacturer to the retailer, offering unprecedented transparency. The HUID ensures that each piece is accounted for in the BIS system and links it to a specific jeweller and assaying centre. This makes it extremely difficult for fraudulent marks to go undetected and gives you a powerful way to independently verify the claims made by the seller.
Your Digital Tool: The BIS CARE App
The Bureau of Indian Standards has empowered consumers with a simple digital tool: the BIS CARE mobile app, available for both Android and iOS devices. This app is your best friend when verifying a purchase. After downloading and a simple registration, you can use the 'Verify HUID' feature. Simply enter the six-digit HUID number engraved on the jewellery into the app. The app will display crucial details, including the jeweller's information, the assaying centre that certified it, the type of jewellery, and its purity. If the details on the app do not match the item or the information provided by the jeweller, you have a clear reason to be suspicious and can even file a complaint through the app.
Final Checks Before You Pay
Beyond physically checking the hallmark and verifying the HUID, there are a few final steps to secure your purchase. Always insist on a proper, itemised bill. The invoice should clearly mention the gold purity (karat), weight, the HUID number, and a breakdown of charges like making fees and GST. This bill is your legal proof of purchase and is essential for any future valuation, exchange, or in case of a dispute. Also, ensure the jeweller has a valid BIS registration, which should be displayed in the store. Taking these extra precautions provides an added layer of security and peace of mind.
