BIS Hallmarking Explained

What is BIS Hallmarking?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national standards body that certifies the purity of gold jewellery. A BIS hallmark is a small set of marks engraved on the inside of a ring, the clasp of a chain, or another inconspicuous spot on a piece of jewellery — confirming that it has been independently assayed and meets the declared karat purity.

Hallmarking has been around in India in some form since 2000, but it became mandatory and enforced in two phases — first in 2021 for major districts, then nationwide. From April 2023, every new piece of gold jewellery must carry the six-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) along with the BIS logo and karat mark.

The Four Marks on Every Hallmarked Piece

Old hallmarks issued before 2017 may include the assaying centre's mark and the year-letter — these are still valid, but new pieces no longer carry them. The four marks above are what you should look for in 2026.

How to Verify a Hallmark in 60 Seconds

1. Inspect physically.Ask the salesperson for a 10x jeweller's loupe (most stores have one). Find the BIS logo, the 916/750 mark, and the six-digit HUID on the inner side of a ring or bangle, or on the clasp of a chain. If any of the three is missing, do not pay.
2. Verify on the BIS Care app.Download "BIS Care" from the Play Store or App Store (free). Open the "Verify HUID" option, enter the six-digit code, and check that the displayed details — purity, weight, jeweller, and assaying centre — match the piece in front of you.
3. Cross-check the invoice. The HUID should be printed on your tax invoice alongside the gold weight, purity, and making charges. Without it, you have no record to dispute a purity issue later.

What if the App Shows Different Details?

This is a serious red flag. If the BIS Care app shows the HUID belongs to a different jeweller, a different weight, or a different purity than what you're being shown — the piece may be tampered with or the HUID may have been re-engraved from another piece. Walk out.

You can file a complaint directly through the BIS Care app or call the BIS toll-free helpline at 1800 11 4000. BIS investigates complaints and can suspend the jeweller's registration. Always retain photos and the GST invoice.

Hallmarking on Jewellery Below 2 Grams

BIS rules exempt very small pieces (under 2 grams) and certain export-only jewellery from mandatory hallmarking. However, most reputable jewellers still hallmark all pieces, including thin chains, baby earrings, and small studs. If you're buying a small piece, ask the seller whether it is hallmarked — many genuinely hallmark even sub-2g items, and some sell unmarked thin gold at a lower making charge with explicit disclosure.

Old Jewellery Without HUID — Is It Still Valid?

Yes. Pre-April 2023 jewellery that carries the older BIS hallmark (BIS logo + purity mark + assaying centre mark + year letter + jeweller mark) is fully valid and can be sold or used normally. You don't need to re-hallmark it.

However, if you want to sell or exchangeold jewellery, the buying jeweller may insist on re-assaying. This is a separate paid service (typically ₹35–₹100 per piece) at a BIS-recognised assaying centre and is not the buyer's right to decide unilaterally — agree on the buy-back rate first, then optionally re-assay.

Hallmarking on Coins, Bars, and Biscuits

Gold bars and coins issued by RBI-authorised refiners (MMTC-PAMP, Augmont, Kundan) are hallmarked under a separate "LBMA Good Delivery" or "BIS 999" standard. They typically come in tamper-proof packaging with a serial number and assay certificate. Always retain the original packaging and the certificate — it materially improves the resale rate.

Your Rights as a Hallmark Consumer

• Right to demand a hallmark on every piece sold to you (mandatory since April 2023).
• Right to verify the HUID on the BIS Care app at the point of sale.
• Right to a GST tax invoice that lists gold weight, karat, HUID, and making charges separately.
• Right to compensation if the actual purity (on independent assay) is lower than the marked purity — typically twice the difference, plus testing charges.
• Right to file a complaint with BIS or your district consumer forum without the seller's consent.