BIS to make six digit ID mandatory for hallmarked jewellery from April 1

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Mar 7, 2023

The Bureau of Indian Standards has introduced mandatory six digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification Numbers for all gold jewellery and artefacts from April 1 to make the system easier to understand for consumers. 

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution announced that old hallmarked jewellery which is stamped with four marks and no HUID cannot be sold after March 31, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council announced on its website. Until now, jewellery businesses could sell jewellery hallmarked in this way alongside jewellery with the new six digit HUID mark but the Ministry felt that having two types of hallmark is confusing to shoppers is therefore streamlining the process.  
 
The BIS came to its decision after consulting with industry stakeholders in different Indian regions over the course of several rounds. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution stated that it has given jewellers more than a year and nine months to clear their stocks of four digit hallmarked jewellery which has sufficient time to have done so. 

This new BIS order is designed to promote traceability and consumer confidence. Although the old hallmark signs can no longer retail, the BIS was clear that all such jewellery which is owned by consumers will remain valid as a means of identification. The BIS first introduced mandatory hallmarking in 2020 and it gradually implemented the rule across the country until it was adopted by 288 Indian districts in June, 2021. Today, 339 districts have at least one Assaying and Hallmarking Centre.