BIS Hallmark License | Hallmark Registration

Benefits of Hallmark Registration in India

The following are the benefits of Hallmark Registration in India

Rapid Business Growth

Certification helps businesses grow quickly by enhancing credibility and attracting more customers. It sets your brand apart from uncertified competitors, giving you a competitive edge in the market.

Assurance of Quality

Certified jewellery meets defined quality standards, assuring customers of the authenticity and purity of the materials used. This reduces the chances of disputes or dissatisfaction.

Customer Trust & Satisfaction

Certification fosters transparency, which leads to higher customer satisfaction. When buyers know they’re getting exactly what’s promised, it builds long-term trust and loyalty.

Added Value & Credibility

Certified gems and jewellery are considered more valuable due to guaranteed standards. This trust significantly boosts both the monetary and perceived value of your products.

Legal Protection

Certification provides legal backing, protecting both the seller and buyer from fraud or misrepresentation. In case of disputes, certified documentation serves as valid evidence.

Different Marks of BIS Hallmark

To ensure the authenticity of jewellery, each hallmarked item includes specific marks:

BIS Mark or Logo

This mark signifies that the jewellery has been assessed by an independent and certified third-party laboratory. These labs are authorized by the BIS and follow rigorous procedures to determine the purity of the metal. When customers see the BIS mark, they can trust that the jewellery is genuine.

Purity Grade

The purity of gold is expressed in Karats (KT) and Fineness Number. For example, 24KT gold is considered 99.9% pure, but since it is too soft for jewellery, metals like silver or zinc are added for durability. Common grades include 22KT (91.6% purity), 18KT (75% purity), and 14KT (58.5% purity).

Hallmarking Centre’s Mark

This is the mark of the centre or lab that tested the jewellery. Each certified Assaying & Hallmarking Centre has a unique mark. This makes it possible to trace the item back to the lab that tested it, ensuring accountability.

Jeweller’s Mark

Each jeweller certified by BIS has a unique identification mark. This mark is stamped on the jewellery and identifies the manufacturer or seller. It provides an added layer of transparency for customers.

Marking Year

The jewellery item also carries a code that represents the year in which it was hallmarked. The BIS assigns a letter for each year starting from 2000, represented by the letter ‘A’. Subsequent years follow the alphabetical sequence.

New Methods of Hallmarking in India

For the transparency and consumer trust in the jewellery sector, the Government of India introduced an advanced method of gold hallmarking in 2019. This updated system mandates the inclusion of a Unique Identification Number (UID) on all hallmarked gold jewellery. The UID is a six-digit alphanumeric code that serves as a digital fingerprint for each jewellery item, allowing for easier traceability and verification of its authenticity and purity.

This modern hallmarking method is part of a broader effort to regulate the gold market and protect consumers from fraud and adulteration. By embedding a unique code into each piece, customers can now check crucial details—such as purity, weight, jeweller information, and the assaying center—through online platforms provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This not only empowers buyers but also encourages jewellers to maintain high-quality standards.

The implementation of this method is backed by the BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations, 2018, which outline strict guidelines for jewellers and hallmarking centers. According to these regulations, only registered jewellers are permitted to sell hallmarked gold jewellery, and it must conform to BIS-approved purity standards—typically 14K, 18K, or 22K gold. Any deviation or misrepresentation can result in legal consequences, adding a layer of accountability to the industry.

By introducing UID-based hallmarking, the government aims to eliminate grey market practices and bring more structure to the fragmented jewellery sector. It also facilitates better regulation of gold imports and sales, supporting financial transparency in the broader economy. Overall, the new hallmarking system marks a major shift toward digitization and quality assurance in the Indian jewellery market. For customers, it means peace of mind and confidence in their purchases. For jewellers, it demands greater compliance—but also offers an opportunity to build trust and strengthen their brand in an increasingly discerning market.

Unique Identification Number (UID) on All Hallmarked Gold Jewellery

For the consumer protection and bring greater transparency to the jewellery industry, the Government of India introduced the concept of a Unique Identification Number (UID) for all hallmarked gold jewellery. This step, implemented as part of the updated hallmarking norms from 2019 onwards, has transformed the way gold jewellery is authenticated, tracked, and sold in the country.

The UID is a six-digit alphanumeric code that is laser-marked on each hallmarked gold item. It serves as a digital identity for that particular piece of jewellery, linking it to a centralized database maintained by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Alongside the UID, a hallmark consists of three other components: the BIS logo, the purity of the gold (in carats), and the identification mark of the Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (AHC).

The key purpose of assigning a UID is to enable easy traceability and verification. Consumers can use this unique code to access detailed information about their jewellery, including its caratage, weight, jeweller’s identity, and the certification details of the testing center. This information is readily accessible through BIS’s online portal or mobile applications, empowering buyers to verify the authenticity and purity of the product before making a purchase.

From a regulatory standpoint, the UID ensures stricter compliance with BIS standards. Only BIS-registered jewellers are allowed to sell hallmarked jewellery, and each piece must pass through an authorized hallmarking center for testing and certification. This system helps eliminate the circulation of substandard or counterfeit jewellery and supports the government’s broader goals of formalizing the gold market. For consumers, the introduction of the UID enhances confidence in their purchases and provides legal assurance in case of disputes. For jewellers, it represents a move toward professionalism, trust, and accountability.

Three Stages of Testing and Marking During Hallmarking Process

Hallmarking is an important quality assurance process in the Indian jewellery industry, governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It ensures that gold jewellery meets specific purity and quality standards before reaching consumers. The hallmarking procedure involves a systematic three-stage testing and marking process: Homogeneity Testing, Purity Testing, and Individual Item Marking. Each stage plays a vital role in verifying and certifying the authenticity of gold products.

Homogeneity Testing

The first step in the hallmarking process is homogeneity testing. In this stage, a representative sample of items from a particular batch is selected for evaluation. The goal is to ensure uniform distribution of the alloy components within each item and consistency across the batch. The selected jewellery pieces are examined closely to verify that they comply with the regulatory standards set by BIS. If the homogeneity of the metal is confirmed, the sample moves forward to the next stage. If it fails, the entire batch may be rejected or require reprocessing.

Purity Testing

Purity testing is the most important and complex phase of the hallmarking process. It involves a two-step approach to accurately assess the gold content in each item. Initially, a preliminary surface test is carried out on the selected pieces to identify any immediate discrepancies. From every group of 50 similar items, one is chosen randomly for detailed testing. Small samples are then carefully taken from the jewellery for laboratory analysis, where advanced techniques like fire assay or XRF (X-ray fluorescence) are used to determine the gold's purity, fineness, and value. This step ensures that the gold used matches the declared karat value (e.g., 22K, 18K).

Individual Item Marking

Once the purity and homogeneity tests are passed, each item undergoes individual marking. This final step involves imprinting the hallmark using laser engraving or press marking, depending on the size and design of the item. In special cases, manual or hand-marking may also be applied. The hallmark includes essential details such as the BIS logo, karat purity, the Assaying & Hallmarking Centre’s mark, and the Unique Identification Number (UID).

Types of Forms for Hallmark Registration

Various forms are used in the Hallmark Registration process. Each form has a specific purpose:

• Form I: Used to apply for a Hallmark Registration Certificate by jewellers or sellers.
• Form IV: Application to identify an Assaying & Hallmarking Centre under IS 15820.
• Form V: A&H Centres must submit an affidavit for BIS Recognition.
• Form VII: Used for the renewal of recognition of A&H Centres as per IS 15820.
• Form VIII: Application for the license to use the Hallmark.
• Form XIII: License renewal application as per Schedule I.
• Schedule I: The Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (A&HC) Grant and Recognition Renewal Fee.
• Schedule V: Fee structure for granting and renewing licenses for refineries or mints.

Documents Required for Hallmark Registration in India

To ensure that only genuine and qualified jewellers are permitted to sell hallmarked gold, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates a structured registration process. As part of this process, applicants—whether individuals, firms, or companies—must submit specific documents to verify their legal status, business operations, and compliance history. Here’s a breakdown of the required documentation:

Proof of Business Establishment

Depending on the type of business entity, different documents are needed:

• Partnership Firms must submit a registered partnership deed.

• Private Limited or Limited Companies must provide the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar of Companies (ROC) along with the Memorandum of Association (MoA).

• Proprietorship Firms need a CA certificate verifying business ownership and operations.

Address Proof of Business Premises

Applicants must also prove the location of their business through one or more of the following documents:

• GST registration certificate

• Income tax assessment order

• Lease or sale deed

• Rent agreement accompanied by previous rent receipts

• Latest property tax receipt

• Any registration certificate issued by a state government

Proof of Annual Turnover

For established firms, a copy of GST returns from the previous financial year is required to confirm annual turnover.
For newly set-up firms, an undertaking must be submitted. This should include an estimated turnover and a commitment to submit future GST returns once available.

ID Proof of the Authorized Signatory

To verify the identity of the person submitting the application or signing the forms:

• Aadhaar-based verification or e-signature is preferred for authenticity.

• Additional documents may include a PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, driving license, or a photo ID card issued by a Gazetted Officer on official letterhead.

Procedure to Get a Hallmark Registration Certificate in India

In India, obtaining a Hallmark Registration Certificate is essential for jewellers who wish to sell gold jewellery that complies with the purity and quality standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Hallmarking not only ensures consumer trust but also brings greater credibility to the jeweller. The process for obtaining a hallmark license is structured and involves several important steps, as outlined below:

Document Preparation

The first and most important step is to gather all the necessary documents required for the application. These include:

• Proof of business establishment, such as partnership deeds, certificates from the Registrar of Companies, or a CA certificate for proprietors.

• Address proof of the business premises, which may include lease deeds, GST registration certificates, or property tax receipts.

• Proof of annual turnover, such as previous year’s GST returns or an undertaking in case of a new firm.

• Identity proof of the authorized signatory, which may include Aadhaar, PAN card, or any government-issued photo ID.

Ensuring that all documents are valid, up to date, and properly organized will make the application process smoother and faster.

Filing the Application

Once the documents are ready, the applicant must submit the application online through the official BIS portal. The application form requires details about the business, its operations, and the documents must be uploaded in the prescribed format. The applicant also needs to pay the applicable fee as per BIS norms. After successful submission, an acknowledgment is issued for further reference.

Inspection by BIS

After reviewing the application, BIS assigns an inspector to conduct an on-site inspection of the premises. During this visit, the inspector will verify:

• The authenticity of the submitted documents.

• The business setup and capacity to comply with hallmarking standards.

• Any additional compliance or regulatory criteria as per BIS guidelines.

The inspection is a key step to ensure that only genuine and eligible jewellers receive the license.

Issuance of Certificate

If the inspector is satisfied with the findings and everything is in order, BIS issues the Hallmark Registration Certificate. The certificate is sent to the applicant’s registered email address, confirming their status as a BIS-registered jeweller, now legally authorized to sell hallmarked gold jewellery.