Purchase gold wisely this Dhanteras: Govt urges festive shoppers to buy BIS hallmarked gold jewellery

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), supported by Hallmark's longstanding trust, encourages consumers to purchase gold and silver with a thoughtful approach as the festival of Dhanteras is near. Dhanteras is when families purchase gold, representing prosperity, good fortune, and security for the future.

BIS has played a key role in pushing this shift, encouraging consumers to make informed selections by emphasizing the value of hallmarked gold and silver jewelry.

14 important gold hallmarking FAQs for checking purity of gold jewellery

Importance of hallmarking

Hallmarking in gold jewellery comprises of 3 markings; namely the BIS Standard Mark, Purity of Gold in carats & fineness; and 6-digit Alphanumeric HUID code. HUID - Hallmarking unique ID is a unique 6-digit alphanumeric code which is marked on each gold jewellery article.

Verify the authenticity of HUID on Hallmarked gold jewellery

According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB) release dated October 28, “Hallmarking is the accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in the precious metal article. Hallmarking provides consumers third party assurance and satisfaction that they get right purity of gold (or silver). Under Hallmarking Scheme of BIS, registration is granted to jewellers for selling hallmarked jewellery and recognition is given to Assaying and Hallmarking Centres for hallmarking jewellery based on purity observed during testing.”

Further, “consumers are also empowered now to verify the authenticity of HUID on Hallmarked gold jewellery by using the ‘Verify HUID’ icon on the BIS Care App”

Hallmarking charges for gold

"Consumers are also empowered now to verify the authenticity of HUID on Hallmarked gold jewellery by using the ‘Verify HUID’ icon on the BIS Care App. The hallmarking charges for gold jewellery are Rs 45/- per article, excluding taxes. Consumers can get their Hallmarked jewellery tested at any of the BIS recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) after paying testing charges of Rs. 200," said stated the PIB release.

Since June 23, 2021, BIS has successfully implemented the mandatory hallmarking of gold jewelry and artifacts in 256 districts nationwide. The second phase will include 32 additional districts, and the third phase will include 55 districts.

Check purity of gold using BIS app: Here’s a step-by-step guide to check gold hallmarking

The BIS Hallmark serves as a certification method for authentic metals used in gold and silver jewelry sold in India. It verifies that the jewelry adheres to the standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards, the country's national standards organization. As a result, hallmarks ensure the quality or purity of precious metal products in various countries. The primary objectives of the Hallmarking Scheme are to require manufacturers to maintain the legal standards of purity and to protect consumers from counterfeit products. In India, gold and silver are recognized as precious metals under the hallmarking regulations.

How to check purity of gold using BIS app

To check the authenticity of the hallmarking, download the BIS CARE application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and log in using your name, phone number, and email address.

To verify jewellery hallmarking, you should go to the "verify HUID" section. Once you click on the "verify HUID" option, you will be directed to a screen where you can type the HUID of the gold jewellery you want to purchase.

Then click on the search option. It will show your all the HUD details of the gold jewellery including the jeweller's registration number, the assaying and hallmarking centre, AHC registration number, AHC address, the article type, the date of hallmarking, and purity.

Select 'Know your Standards' for information on any indian standard, Licenses against it and laboratories for this product.

Benefits and features of BIS app
Here is a look at the features and benefits of using the BIS app, according to its official BIS app details page on Google Play Store:

• You can file your grievances or complaints using the app's 'Complaints' feature on issues such as poor or sub-standard quality of marked products, misuse of our marks, false promises of quality, or a gap in our services.
• BIS app can check the authenticity of ISI, Hallmark, and CRS Registration markings on any item or product.
• Simply select the sort of complaint you wish to register through a simple user registration or OTP-based login, fill out the specifics of the complaint, preferably with evidence, through well-designed and straightforward forms, and submit.
• Enter the licence number/HUID number/Registration number found on the product or item to obtain all relevant information, such as the manufacturer's name and address, the licence or registration's validity.
• Get a complaint number and an acknowledgement of your complaint sent to your phone number and email address for future reference.
• The authenticity of commodities, licences, registrations, and hallmarks can all be verified.
• If the goods' licence, registration, or hallmark number are incorrect, the client can file a complaint right away.
• ISI can file complaints about trademark infringement and hallmark infringement.
• You can also file a complaint concerning registration marks, deceptive advertising, and other BIS-related issues.
• The customer will receive information on how to make a complaint right away using the app.