Hallmark Registration – An Overview

Hallmark registration in India is managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and certifies the purity of precious metals like gold and silver. It aligns with Indian Standards to ensure consumers receive authentic and quality-certified products. Through BIS Hallmark Registration, jewellers can sell hallmarked items featuring a Fineness Number and BIS Hallmark Logo. For customers, it guarantees purity; for jewellers, it builds trust and enhances market credibility. Each certified piece includes a Jeweller Mark and Hallmarking Centre Mark for purity verification.

Registration Process and Requirements

Jewellers seeking BIS certification must register under the Jewellers Registration Scheme. Key documents include company address proof, GST registration, and identity proof (like Aadhaar or PAN). Additional details like annual turnover and compliance with the Gold Hallmarking Scheme are reviewed. Jewellery is tested at BIS Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (A&H centres) as per IS 15820. Once cleared, jewellers receive a hallmark license and are authorised to mark products in line with BIS standards.

Support and Documentation

BIS-certified jewellers benefit from documentation support, including Chartered Accountant (CA) certificates and applicable fees. Service providers like Sperso Filings help streamline the process—from registration to testing—making BIS compliance simple. This process, backed by the Government of India, helps jewellers meet standards while boosting brand reliability and customer confidence in hallmarked jewellery.

Note: Updated Hallmarking System (Effective 1 April 2023)

From 1 April 2023, BIS made the 6-digit Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID) mandatory on all gold jewellery. Only BIS-registered jewellers can sell gold items with a valid HUID and through certified stores. This HUID ensures each jewellery piece is traceable, meets purity standards, and increases transparency for buyers.

Purpose of Hallmarking

The primary goal of hallmarking is to verify the purity and fineness of precious metals, mainly gold. It prevents fraud by confirming that jewellery meets required standards. A hallmark includes purity details and an official stamp proving authenticity. This applies to silver and platinum too, ensuring buyers receive genuine and quality-assured products.

Types of Precious Metals Covered Under Hallmarking

Hallmarking standards apply to gold, silver, and platinum, assuring their quality and legal compliance. This builds trust among jewellers and buyers by validating the product’s authenticity.

Gold Hallmark Examples:

• 999 – Represents 24K gold with 99.9% purity

Each hallmark includes symbols that reflect purity, fineness, and certified authenticity.

Grading of Gold Based on Purity Levels

• 24 Karat Gold – 99.99% pure gold, no other metals
• 22 Karat Gold – 91.6% gold, 8.4% other metals
• 21 Karat Gold – 87.5% gold, 12.5% other metals
• 18 Karat Gold – 75% gold, 25% other metals

Silver

• 925 Stamp means the silver is 92.5% pure
• Standard for high-quality silver items
• Other marks include maker’s mark, town mark, and lion passant for sterling silver

Platinum

• 99.9 Stamp – 99.9% pure platinum
• 95 Stamp – 95% purity, ideal for jewellery
• Hallmarks may include diamond shape and balance scales for quality

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

• Creates purity standards for gold, silver, and platinum
• Manages the Hallmarking Scheme and guides jewellers
• Certifies jewellers who meet required purity standards
• Checks purity regularly to ensure product quality
• Keeps hallmarking uniform across all jewellers
• Handles complaints from consumers about hallmarked items
• Supports jewellers to meet BIS guidelines
• Audits hallmarking centers for ongoing compliance

Benefits of Hallmark Registration for Jewellers

• Credibility: Confirms that products meet purity and quality standards, boosting brand image.
• Trust Building: Assures customers that gold or silver is authentic and correctly marked.
• Consumer Confidence: Strengthens the customer relationship by proving product reliability.
• Legal Protection: Ensures compliance with BIS rules, reducing the risk of penalties.
• Quality Assurance: The hallmark certifies the metal’s fineness, confirming authenticity.
• Registration Proof: The certificate adds value by verifying that the jewellery meets standards.
• Transparency: Encourages honest trade practices and protects against fraud.
• Cost-Effective: Though there’s a fee, hallmarking brings more trust and fewer legal issues.
• Buyer Protection: Ensures buyers receive genuine, high-quality precious metals.
• Higher Value: Hallmarked items attract better market value due to certified purity.

Legal Framework Governing Hallmark Registration in India

BIS Act, 2016

Empowers BIS to set product standards and issue certifications for gold, silver, and other items. BIS uses this authority to enforce hallmarking rules across India.

Mandatory Hallmarking Rules

From July 1, 2021, hallmarking became compulsory for gold jewellery. As of April 1, 2023, it includes more jewellers and cities. Each item must carry a HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification Number) and purity details.

Compliance for Jewellers

• Register with BIS
• Test jewellery at BIS-approved assay centres
• Display hallmark symbols at their premises

This ensures transparency and builds consumer trust.

Enforcement of Standards

The BIS Act and the Hallmarking Order, 2020, require jewellers to obtain BIS licences. BIS conducts audits and checks. Violations can lead to penalties, licence suspension, or legal action.

Types of BIS Hallmarking Registration Certificates

1. BIS Registration for Jewellers or Showrooms: Mandatory for jewellers selling or manufacturing gold/silver jewellery. Each sales outlet needs separate BIS hallmark registration. Certified jewellers can hallmark their products at BIS-approved centres.
2. BIS Recognition of Assaying & Hallmarking Centres: These centres test and stamp the purity of precious metals. They must be BIS-approved to operate.

Eligibility & Requirements for Hallmark Registration

Who Needs to Apply?

• Jewellers/Retailers: Selling gold/silver jewellery.
• Manufacturers: Making jewellery from precious metals.
• Importers/Exporters: Dealing with global trade of such metals.

Who Is Not Eligible?

• Applicants with cancelled BIS registration (must wait 1 year).
• Individuals convicted under the BIS Act (1-year ineligibility).

Documents Required

• Company registration documents (ROC/Partnership/CA cert).
• GST certificate, rent/lease deed, property tax receipt.
• Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID etc.).
• Location map, prior year GST returns (or expected turnover).

Hallmarking Procedure in India

1. Homogeneity Testing: Items are checked for uniformity and compliance with BIS norms.
2. Purity Testing: Random samples are tested using:
   • Assay Testing – Highly accurate traditional method.
   • XRF Testing – Non-destructive X-ray testing.
   • Fire Assay – Reliable test using melting/separation.
   • Spectroscopy – Uses light for purity analysis.
3. Item Marking: Once passed, jewellery is laser or press-marked with hallmarks.

Procedure for Hallmark Registration in India – Sperso Filings

Hallmark registration certifies the purity and authenticity of precious metals and jewellery. Sperso Filings ensures a hassle-free, expert-led process for BIS hallmark registration.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Connect with our experts to understand the registration process, fees, and documentation. We manage the process entirely online for your convenience.

Step 2: Document Collection

We guide you in preparing the necessary documents like the application form, metal ownership proof, and ID/address details.

Step 3: Application Submission

Our team files your application with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and ensures all requirements are met.

Step 4: Inspection & Review

The nearest hallmarking centre inspects your jewellery to verify it meets BIS purity standards.

Step 5: Hallmarking & Certification

Once approved, your jewellery is marked with a unique BIS hallmark and you receive an official certificate.

Step 6: Renewal

Hallmark registration is valid for one year. Sperso Filings assists with timely renewal to maintain compliance.

Note:
The process typically takes 30–45 days. While approval depends on BIS criteria, our team ensures your application is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

Post-Registration Compliance

Maintaining Compliance

• Test all items at BIS-approved centres before sale.
• Maintain transaction and certification records.
• Display hallmark symbol in store.

Regular BIS Audits

BIS conducts periodic checks to ensure compliance.

Renewal Process

• Apply before expiry with updated documents.
• Pay fees and submit form.
• After BIS review, receive renewed certificate.

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Fines, license suspension, or legal action.

How to Identify Hallmarked Jewellery

• BIS Logo: A triangle with ‘BIS’.
• Purity Grade: E.g., 22K for gold, 925 for silver.
• Jeweller’s Mark: Unique code or logo.
• Year of Hallmarking: Year engraved on item.
• Online Verification: Use BIS app or website with HUID code.