Compulsory hallmarking of gold jewellery to kick in soon

Jewellery buyers might have reason to cheer with compulsory hallmarking of gold ornaments and artefacts likely to be introduced soon. Currently , hallmarking is voluntary. Ram Vilas Paswan, consumer affairs minister, will discuss the issue with trade stakeholders on Feb 28 in Delhi. The Bureau of Indian Standards has put up a draft quality control order — Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Order, 2018 — on its web site seeking comments from stakeholders. BIS will be the certifying and enforcing authority along with an officer of joint secretary rank from the ministry. Surendra Mehta, secretary, IBJA, one of the invitees, said he hoped the government would give jewellers time to melt and sell gold jewellery of caratage apart from 14, 18 and 22 carats , before hallmarking is made mandatory. Many in the trade believe compulsory hallmarking will kick in from April.