Hallmark Registration for Jewellers: Process & Eligibility

Hallmark Registration for Jewellers: Process & Eligibility. 
Hallmark Registration for Jewellers is an important legal requirement for jewellery businesses that sell hallmarked gold or silver jewellery in India. Hallmarking is the official certification of purity or fineness of precious metal articles. In simple words, it confirms that the jewellery sold to customers meets the purity standard claimed by the jeweller. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) states that hallmarking protects the public from adulteration and obligates manufacturers to maintain legal standards of fineness. At present, gold and silver are covered under the hallmarking system in India.
For jewellers, Hallmark Registration is not only a compliance requirement but also a trust-building tool. A registered jeweller can sell hallmarked jewellery legally, display the BIS registration certificate at the shop, and provide customers with assurance regarding purity, transparency, and traceability.

What is Hallmark Registration for Jewellers?
Hallmark Registration is the certificate of registration granted by BIS to jewellers for selling hallmarked jewellery and artefacts. Any jeweller who wants to sell hallmarked gold or silver jewellery must apply online through the BIS Manakonline portal. BIS mentions that the registration is granted instantly, without document upload and without payment of registration fee, and the certificate remains valid for lifetime. This registration should not be confused with recognition of Assaying and Hallmarking Centres. A jeweller registration allows a shop, showroom, retailer, wholesaler, or eligible business entity to sell hallmarked jewellery. On the other hand, an Assaying and Hallmarking Centre is a BIS-recognised testing and marking facility that tests jewellery and applies the hallmark.
Legal Framework Governing Hallmark Registration
Hallmark Registration is governed mainly by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, BIS Rules, 2018, BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018, and subsequent amendments issued from time to time. The BIS guidelines for jewellers clarify that the grant, operation, surveillance, and cancellation of certificate of registration must be read together with the BIS Act, 2016, BIS Rules, 2018, and BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018. The legal framework gives BIS the power to regulate the use of standard marks, monitor jewellers, conduct surveillance, take action against misuse of hallmark, and cancel registration in case of unfair practices. Therefore, once a jeweller obtains registration, the jeweller must follow the operating conditions prescribed under the hallmarking rules and guidelines.
Important Legal Provisions Related to Hallmarking
BIS Act, 2016
The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 provides the statutory foundation for BIS certification, standard mark, conformity assessment, and enforcement action. Under this law, BIS can regulate the use of its mark and take action against persons who misuse the BIS standard mark or make false claims of conformity. For jewellers, this means that hallmarking should be done only through BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres, and no jeweller or private person can apply fake hallmark symbols on jewellery. Unauthorised hallmarking, false purity declaration, or misuse of BIS mark can attract legal consequences.
BIS Rules, 2018
The BIS Rules, 2018 support the functioning of the BIS Act and provide procedural details for certification, inspection, and enforcement. These rules are relevant because jeweller registration and hallmarking operations are part of the BIS conformity system.
BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018
The BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018 specifically deal with hallmarking registration, operation, surveillance, and cancellation. The BIS jeweller guidelines state that the grant, operation, surveillance, and cancellation of certificate of registration are addressed in Chapter I of the BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018 and BIS Hallmarking Amendment Regulations, 2021.
Mandatory Hallmarking Orders
The Government has issued Mandatory Hallmarking Orders from time to time. BIS lists the Mandatory Hallmarking Order, amendments, Quality Control Order dated 23 June 2021, and later amendments including 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 updates on its hallmarking portal. These orders decide where mandatory hallmarking applies, which gold articles are covered, what exemptions are available, and how jewellers must comply in notified districts.
Recent Updates in Hallmarking Rules

One important recent update is the expansion of mandatory hallmarking districts. A Government document published through PIB states that an amendment to the Quality Control Order for mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts was issued on 31 July 2025, increasing the number of districts covered under mandatory hallmarking from 361 to 373 districts where at least one Assaying and Hallmarking Centre exists. It also mentions that 9K/375 fineness gold was added as one more purity grade based on market demand.
Another important update is related to silver hallmarking. From September 1, 2025, silver hallmarking moved to a revised HUID-based voluntary system under IS 2112:2025, replacing the earlier 2014 standard, as reported by Economic Times on the basis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs update.These updates show that hallmarking compliance is continuously expanding. Jewellers dealing in gold and silver should regularly check BIS notifications, district lists, amendments, and applicable standards before selling jewellery.

Who Needs Hallmark Registration?
Hallmark Registration is required for jewellers who want to sell hallmarked gold or silver jewellery or artefacts. This includes jewellery retailers, showroom owners, wholesalers selling finished jewellery, e-commerce jewellery sellers, chain stores, corporate jewellers, manufacturers selling directly to consumers, and jewellers in non-mandatory districts who voluntarily want to sell hallmarked jewellery. BIS has clarified that even a jeweller in a non-mandatory district can sell hallmarked jewellery, provided the jeweller is registered with BIS. BIS has also clarified that jewellers with annual turnover up to Rs. 40 lakh are exempted from mandatory hallmarking, but if such jewellers want to sell hallmarked jewellery, they must be registered with BIS.
Eligibility for Hallmark Registration
Any jeweller engaged in the sale of hallmarked jewellery or artefacts can apply for registration. The applicant may be a proprietorship, partnership firm, LLP, private limited company, public limited company, HUF, trust, society, or any other business structure engaged in jewellery sale. However, BIS guidelines also provide certain non-eligibility conditions. If a jeweller’s registration has been cancelled under Regulation 7 of the BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018, the jeweller cannot apply again before a cooling period of one year from the date of such order. Similarly, a jeweller convicted under the BIS Act is not eligible to apply for one year from the date of conviction. If such non-eligible persons still obtain registration through the online portal, BIS may cancel the registration.
Hallmark Registration Process for Jewellers
Step 1: Create Login on BIS Manakonline Portal
The jeweller must visit the BIS Manakonline portal and create login credentials. The applicant should enter basic business details such as name of business, type of entity, address of sales outlet, mobile number, email ID, and other relevant information.
Step 2: Fill Application for Jeweller Registration
After login, the jeweller has to select the application for registration of jeweller for selling hallmarked jewellery or artefacts. The application should contain correct details of the sales outlet. In case of multiple outlets, each outlet should be properly covered.
Step 3: Submit Business and Contact Details
The jeweller must provide correct business details, contact details, address, and other information asked on the portal. Even though BIS mentions that no document upload is required for instant registration, the jeweller must still ensure that the information submitted is true and accurate. Wrong details may later lead to discrepancy notice or cancellation action.
Step 4: Instant Grant of Registration
BIS guidelines state that registration is granted instantly. A mail and SMS alert is sent to the jeweller with the registration number, and the jeweller can download and print the certificate of registration using that registration number.
Step 5: Display Certificate at Sales Outlet
After registration, the certificate issued by BIS must be displayed prominently at the sales outlet. This is a mandatory display requirement under BIS jeweller guidelines. The registered jeweller must also display the BIS logo with the wording “Hallmarked Jewellery Available for Sale” outside the sales outlet.
Step 6: Send Jewellery to BIS-Recognised A&H Centre
The jeweller can send jewellery to a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre for testing and hallmarking. The A&H Centre tests the purity of jewellery and applies the hallmark as per BIS standards and HUID system.
Step 7: Sell Only Properly Hallmarked Jewellery Where Mandatory
In notified mandatory hallmarking districts, jewellers must sell only properly hallmarked jewellery, unless the article falls under a valid exemption. The invoice should clearly mention article description, net weight, purity in carat and fineness, and hallmarking charges.
Corporate Hallmark Registration for Multiple Outlets
For large jewellery chains and corporate jewellers, BIS allows corporate certificate of registration. In such cases, the registered or head office applies for registration along with the list of retail outlets to be covered. BIS guidelines state that every retail outlet covered under corporate registration is issued an independent certificate document mentioning the address of that retail outlet. This is useful for brands operating across multiple cities, states, malls, and franchise outlets. However, business details must be updated whenever there is a change in address, firm name, or management.
Display and Customer Information Requirements
A registered jeweller has several display obligations. The BIS guidelines require display of BIS logo with the wording “Hallmarked Jewellery Available for Sale” outside the sales outlet. The certificate of registration must be displayed prominently inside the shop. The jeweller must also display information on components of hallmark, availability of magnifying glass of minimum 10X magnification, weighing balance of 0.01 gram accuracy, BIS office contact details, hallmarking charges, and information that customers can verify gold jewellery using the “Verify HUID” feature on the BIS Care App. These requirements are important because hallmarking is not only about registration but also about consumer awareness. A customer should be able to check hallmark details, verify HUID, understand charges, and raise complaints if required.
Invoice Requirements for Hallmarked Jewellery
The invoice or bill issued by the jeweller should contain clear details of each article. BIS FAQ states that the bill should mention description of each article, net weight of precious metal, purity in carat and fineness, and hallmarking charges. It should also mention that the consumer can get the purity of hallmarked jewellery or artefacts verified from any BIS-recognised A&H Centre. A proper invoice protects both the customer and the jeweller. It reduces disputes related to purity, weight, making charges, hallmarking charges, and future resale or exchange.
Exemptions from Mandatory Hallmarking
Certain categories are exempted from mandatory hallmarking. BIS FAQs mention exemptions such as jewellery for domestic business-to-business exhibitions approved by Government agencies, special categories like Kundan, Polki and Jadaau, jewellers with annual turnover up to Rs. 40 lakh, gold watch, and fountain pen. BIS also clarifies that jewellery weighing up to 2 grams is exempted due to practical difficulty in marking, although such jewellery may still be hallmarked voluntarily if desired. It is also important to understand that exemptions may apply only in the manner stated under the applicable Quality Control Order and BIS guidelines. Jewellers should not assume blanket exemption without checking the latest BIS order.
Hallmarking at First Point of Sale
BIS has clarified that any manufactured article that is not substantially complete and is intended for further manufacture is exempted from mandatory hallmarking. However, hallmarking is mandatory at the first point of sale in the chain of manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, and retailer. This means unfinished jewellery meant for further processing may not require immediate hallmarking, but finished jewellery sold in the market must comply with hallmarking requirements where mandatory.
Imported Jewellery and Hallmarking
Imported jewellery can be sold in India only by a registered jeweller after it is tested and hallmarked by a BIS-recognised hallmarking centre. BIS has clarified that mandatory hallmarking applies to imported jewellery in this manner. Therefore, importers and jewellers dealing in imported gold jewellery should not sell imported articles directly without BIS hallmarking compliance.
Validity and Renewal of Hallmark Registration
One of the biggest advantages of jeweller registration is that the certificate is valid for lifetime. BIS states that the certificate is granted instantly without document upload or fee and remains valid for lifetime. However, lifetime validity does not mean lifetime immunity. BIS can still conduct surveillance, scrutinise registrations, issue discrepancy notices, and cancel registration if the jeweller violates the law or indulges in unfair practices.
Changes in Business Details
During the operation of the registration certificate, changes may occur in address, contact details, firm name, or management. BIS guidelines state that the firm must apply on the online portal for such changes, and endorsement for change is given in the certificate of registration. Jewellers should update details immediately because mismatch in shop address, certificate details, and invoice information can create compliance issues during inspection or customer complaints.
Penalties and Cancellation Risks
A jeweller may face cancellation of registration for misuse of hallmark, unfair practices, false declaration, non-compliance with BIS directions, or violation of hallmarking regulations. Unauthorised hallmarking and misuse of BIS mark can also attract action under the BIS Act, 2016. Recent enforcement actions show that BIS is actively taking action against fake hallmarking. For example, Times of India reported that BIS officials seized unauthorised hallmarking equipment and initiated legal action in cases involving fake hallmarking without valid HUID, citing violations under the BIS Act and possible penalties under Section 29.
Why Hallmark Registration is Important for Jewellers
Hallmark Registration gives legal authority to sell hallmarked jewellery. It also improves customer trust because buyers increasingly verify jewellery through BIS Care App and HUID. For jewellers, it reduces disputes, supports transparent billing, improves brand credibility, and protects against allegations of impurity or misleading sale. In today’s jewellery market, customers are more aware and cautious. Since gold prices are high, even small purity differences can cause major financial loss to consumers. Hallmarking helps create a transparent system where purity is recorded, verified, and traceable.
Conclusion
Hallmark Registration for Jewellers is an essential compliance for any jewellery business that wants to sell hallmarked gold or silver jewellery in India. The process is simple, online, instant, free of cost, and valid for lifetime. However, the legal responsibilities after registration are serious. Jewellers must display the BIS certificate, maintain proper invoices, sell properly hallmarked jewellery, use BIS-recognised A&H Centres, update business details, and avoid any misuse of hallmark.
With recent updates such as expansion of mandatory hallmarking districts, inclusion of 9K/375 gold, and HUID-based silver hallmarking developments, jewellers should stay updated with BIS notifications. A registered and compliant jeweller not only follows the law but also builds long-term trust in the market.
FAQs
Q1. What is Hallmark Registration for Jewellers?
Ans. Hallmark Registration is a BIS certificate that allows jewellers to sell hallmarked gold and silver jewellery. It confirms that the jeweller is registered with BIS for selling hallmarked articles. The registration is obtained online through the BIS portal.
Q2. Is Hallmark Registration mandatory for all jewellers?
Ans. It is mandatory for jewellers selling hallmarked jewellery and for jewellers in notified mandatory hallmarking districts, subject to exemptions. Jewellers in non-mandatory districts can also sell hallmarked jewellery, but they must be registered with BIS.
Q3. Is there any government fee for Hallmark Registration?
Ans. As per BIS, jeweller registration is granted instantly without uploading documents and without payment of registration fee. The certificate remains valid for lifetime.
Q4. What is HUID in hallmarking?
Ans. HUID means Hallmark Unique Identification. It is a unique code marked on hallmarked jewellery for traceability and verification. Customers can verify HUID through the BIS Care App.
Q5. Can a jeweller sell non-hallmarked jewellery?
Ans. In mandatory hallmarking districts, finished jewellery covered under the order must be hallmarked before sale unless it falls under an exemption. In non-mandatory districts, rules may differ, but selling hallmarked jewellery still requires BIS registration.
Q6. Are small jewellers exempt from hallmarking?
Ans. Jewellers with annual turnover up to Rs. 40 lakh are exempted from mandatory hallmarking. However, if they want to sell hallmarked jewellery, they must obtain BIS registration.
Q7. Is hallmarking required for jewellery below 2 grams?
Ans. BIS has provided exemption for jewellery weighing up to 2 grams due to difficulty in marking. However, such jewellery may be hallmarked voluntarily if the jeweller wants.
Q8. Can imported jewellery be sold without hallmarking?
Ans. No, imported jewellery can be sold in India by a registered jeweller only after it is tested and hallmarked by a BIS-recognised hallmarking centre.
Q9. What details should be mentioned in the jewellery invoice?
Ans. The invoice should mention article description, net weight of precious metal, purity in carat and fineness, and hallmarking charges. It should also mention that the consumer can verify purity at a BIS-recognised A&H Centre.
Q10. Can BIS cancel Hallmark Registration?
Ans. Yes, BIS can cancel registration for unfair practices, misuse of hallmark, false information, violation of BIS rules, or conviction under the BIS Act. A jeweller whose registration is cancelled may face a cooling period before applying again.

Hallmark Registration for Jewellers is an important legal requirement for jewellery businesses that sell hallmarked gold or silver jewellery in India. Hallmarking is the official certification of purity or fineness of precious metal articles. In simple words, it confirms that the jewellery sold to customers meets the purity standard claimed by the jeweller. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) states that hallmarking protects the public from adulteration and obligates manufacturers to maintain legal standards of fineness. At present, gold and silver are covered under the hallmarking system in India.

For jewellers, Hallmark Registration is not only a compliance requirement but also a trust-building tool. A registered jeweller can sell hallmarked jewellery legally, display the BIS registration certificate at the shop, and provide customers with assurance regarding purity, transparency, and traceability.

What is Hallmark Registration for Jewellers?

Hallmark Registration is the certificate of registration granted by BIS to jewellers for selling hallmarked jewellery and artefacts. Any jeweller who wants to sell hallmarked gold or silver jewellery must apply online through the BIS Manakonline portal. BIS mentions that the registration is granted instantly, without document upload and without payment of registration fee, and the certificate remains valid for lifetime. This registration should not be confused with recognition of Assaying and Hallmarking Centres. A jeweller registration allows a shop, showroom, retailer, wholesaler, or eligible business entity to sell hallmarked jewellery. On the other hand, an Assaying and Hallmarking Centre is a BIS-recognised testing and marking facility that tests jewellery and applies the hallmark.

Legal Framework Governing Hallmark Registration

Hallmark Registration is governed mainly by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, BIS Rules, 2018, BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018, and subsequent amendments issued from time to time. The BIS guidelines for jewellers clarify that the grant, operation, surveillance, and cancellation of certificate of registration must be read together with the BIS Act, 2016, BIS Rules, 2018, and BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018. The legal framework gives BIS the power to regulate the use of standard marks, monitor jewellers, conduct surveillance, take action against misuse of hallmark, and cancel registration in case of unfair practices. Therefore, once a jeweller obtains registration, the jeweller must follow the operating conditions prescribed under the hallmarking rules and guidelines.

Important Legal Provisions Related to Hallmarking

BIS Act, 2016

The Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 provides the statutory foundation for BIS certification, standard mark, conformity assessment, and enforcement action. Under this law, BIS can regulate the use of its mark and take action against persons who misuse the BIS standard mark or make false claims of conformity. For jewellers, this means that hallmarking should be done only through BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres, and no jeweller or private person can apply fake hallmark symbols on jewellery. Unauthorised hallmarking, false purity declaration, or misuse of BIS mark can attract legal consequences.

BIS Rules, 2018

The BIS Rules, 2018 support the functioning of the BIS Act and provide procedural details for certification, inspection, and enforcement. These rules are relevant because jeweller registration and hallmarking operations are part of the BIS conformity system.

BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018

The BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018 specifically deal with hallmarking registration, operation, surveillance, and cancellation. The BIS jeweller guidelines state that the grant, operation, surveillance, and cancellation of certificate of registration are addressed in Chapter I of the BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018 and BIS Hallmarking Amendment Regulations, 2021.

Mandatory Hallmarking Orders

The Government has issued Mandatory Hallmarking Orders from time to time. BIS lists the Mandatory Hallmarking Order, amendments, Quality Control Order dated 23 June 2021, and later amendments including 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 updates on its hallmarking portal. These orders decide where mandatory hallmarking applies, which gold articles are covered, what exemptions are available, and how jewellers must comply in notified districts.

Recent Updates in Hallmarking Rules

Another important update is related to silver hallmarking. From September 1, 2025, silver hallmarking moved to a revised HUID-based voluntary system under IS 2112:2025, replacing the earlier 2014 standard, as reported by Economic Times on the basis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs update.These updates show that hallmarking compliance is continuously expanding. Jewellers dealing in gold and silver should regularly check BIS notifications, district lists, amendments, and applicable standards before selling jewellery.

Who Needs Hallmark Registration?

Hallmark Registration is required for jewellers who want to sell hallmarked gold or silver jewellery or artefacts. This includes jewellery retailers, showroom owners, wholesalers selling finished jewellery, e-commerce jewellery sellers, chain stores, corporate jewellers, manufacturers selling directly to consumers, and jewellers in non-mandatory districts who voluntarily want to sell hallmarked jewellery. BIS has clarified that even a jeweller in a non-mandatory district can sell hallmarked jewellery, provided the jeweller is registered with BIS. BIS has also clarified that jewellers with annual turnover up to Rs. 40 lakh are exempted from mandatory hallmarking, but if such jewellers want to sell hallmarked jewellery, they must be registered with BIS.

Eligibility for Hallmark Registration

Any jeweller engaged in the sale of hallmarked jewellery or artefacts can apply for registration. The applicant may be a proprietorship, partnership firm, LLP, private limited company, public limited company, HUF, trust, society, or any other business structure engaged in jewellery sale. However, BIS guidelines also provide certain non-eligibility conditions. If a jeweller’s registration has been cancelled under Regulation 7 of the BIS Hallmarking Regulations, 2018, the jeweller cannot apply again before a cooling period of one year from the date of such order. Similarly, a jeweller convicted under the BIS Act is not eligible to apply for one year from the date of conviction. If such non-eligible persons still obtain registration through the online portal, BIS may cancel the registration.

Hallmark Registration Process for Jewellers

Step 1: Create Login on BIS Manakonline Portal

The jeweller must visit the BIS Manakonline portal and create login credentials. The applicant should enter basic business details such as name of business, type of entity, address of sales outlet, mobile number, email ID, and other relevant information.

Step 2: Fill Application for Jeweller Registration

After login, the jeweller has to select the application for registration of jeweller for selling hallmarked jewellery or artefacts. The application should contain correct details of the sales outlet. In case of multiple outlets, each outlet should be properly covered.

Step 3: Submit Business and Contact Details

The jeweller must provide correct business details, contact details, address, and other information asked on the portal. Even though BIS mentions that no document upload is required for instant registration, the jeweller must still ensure that the information submitted is true and accurate. Wrong details may later lead to discrepancy notice or cancellation action.

Step 4: Instant Grant of Registration

BIS guidelines state that registration is granted instantly. A mail and SMS alert is sent to the jeweller with the registration number, and the jeweller can download and print the certificate of registration using that registration number.

Step 5: Display Certificate at Sales Outlet

After registration, the certificate issued by BIS must be displayed prominently at the sales outlet. This is a mandatory display requirement under BIS jeweller guidelines. The registered jeweller must also display the BIS logo with the wording “Hallmarked Jewellery Available for Sale” outside the sales outlet.

Step 6: Send Jewellery to BIS-Recognised A&H Centre

The jeweller can send jewellery to a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre for testing and hallmarking. The A&H Centre tests the purity of jewellery and applies the hallmark as per BIS standards and HUID system.

Step 7: Sell Only Properly Hallmarked Jewellery Where Mandatory

In notified mandatory hallmarking districts, jewellers must sell only properly hallmarked jewellery, unless the article falls under a valid exemption. The invoice should clearly mention article description, net weight, purity in carat and fineness, and hallmarking charges.

Corporate Hallmark Registration for Multiple Outlets

For large jewellery chains and corporate jewellers, BIS allows corporate certificate of registration. In such cases, the registered or head office applies for registration along with the list of retail outlets to be covered. BIS guidelines state that every retail outlet covered under corporate registration is issued an independent certificate document mentioning the address of that retail outlet. This is useful for brands operating across multiple cities, states, malls, and franchise outlets. However, business details must be updated whenever there is a change in address, firm name, or management.

Display and Customer Information Requirements

A registered jeweller has several display obligations. The BIS guidelines require display of BIS logo with the wording “Hallmarked Jewellery Available for Sale” outside the sales outlet. The certificate of registration must be displayed prominently inside the shop. The jeweller must also display information on components of hallmark, availability of magnifying glass of minimum 10X magnification, weighing balance of 0.01 gram accuracy, BIS office contact details, hallmarking charges, and information that customers can verify gold jewellery using the “Verify HUID” feature on the BIS Care App. These requirements are important because hallmarking is not only about registration but also about consumer awareness. A customer should be able to check hallmark details, verify HUID, understand charges, and raise complaints if required.

Invoice Requirements for Hallmarked Jewellery

The invoice or bill issued by the jeweller should contain clear details of each article. BIS FAQ states that the bill should mention description of each article, net weight of precious metal, purity in carat and fineness, and hallmarking charges. It should also mention that the consumer can get the purity of hallmarked jewellery or artefacts verified from any BIS-recognised A&H Centre. A proper invoice protects both the customer and the jeweller. It reduces disputes related to purity, weight, making charges, hallmarking charges, and future resale or exchange.

Exemptions from Mandatory Hallmarking

Certain categories are exempted from mandatory hallmarking. BIS FAQs mention exemptions such as jewellery for domestic business-to-business exhibitions approved by Government agencies, special categories like Kundan, Polki and Jadaau, jewellers with annual turnover up to Rs. 40 lakh, gold watch, and fountain pen. BIS also clarifies that jewellery weighing up to 2 grams is exempted due to practical difficulty in marking, although such jewellery may still be hallmarked voluntarily if desired. It is also important to understand that exemptions may apply only in the manner stated under the applicable Quality Control Order and BIS guidelines. Jewellers should not assume blanket exemption without checking the latest BIS order.

Hallmarking at First Point of Sale

BIS has clarified that any manufactured article that is not substantially complete and is intended for further manufacture is exempted from mandatory hallmarking. However, hallmarking is mandatory at the first point of sale in the chain of manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, and retailer. This means unfinished jewellery meant for further processing may not require immediate hallmarking, but finished jewellery sold in the market must comply with hallmarking requirements where mandatory.

Imported Jewellery and Hallmarking

Imported jewellery can be sold in India only by a registered jeweller after it is tested and hallmarked by a BIS-recognised hallmarking centre. BIS has clarified that mandatory hallmarking applies to imported jewellery in this manner. Therefore, importers and jewellers dealing in imported gold jewellery should not sell imported articles directly without BIS hallmarking compliance.

Validity and Renewal of Hallmark Registration

One of the biggest advantages of jeweller registration is that the certificate is valid for lifetime. BIS states that the certificate is granted instantly without document upload or fee and remains valid for lifetime. However, lifetime validity does not mean lifetime immunity. BIS can still conduct surveillance, scrutinise registrations, issue discrepancy notices, and cancel registration if the jeweller violates the law or indulges in unfair practices.

Changes in Business Details

During the operation of the registration certificate, changes may occur in address, contact details, firm name, or management. BIS guidelines state that the firm must apply on the online portal for such changes, and endorsement for change is given in the certificate of registration. Jewellers should update details immediately because mismatch in shop address, certificate details, and invoice information can create compliance issues during inspection or customer complaints.

Penalties and Cancellation Risks

A jeweller may face cancellation of registration for misuse of hallmark, unfair practices, false declaration, non-compliance with BIS directions, or violation of hallmarking regulations. Unauthorised hallmarking and misuse of BIS mark can also attract action under the BIS Act, 2016. Recent enforcement actions show that BIS is actively taking action against fake hallmarking. For example, Times of India reported that BIS officials seized unauthorised hallmarking equipment and initiated legal action in cases involving fake hallmarking without valid HUID, citing violations under the BIS Act and possible penalties under Section 29.

Why Hallmark Registration is Important for Jewellers

Hallmark Registration gives legal authority to sell hallmarked jewellery. It also improves customer trust because buyers increasingly verify jewellery through BIS Care App and HUID. For jewellers, it reduces disputes, supports transparent billing, improves brand credibility, and protects against allegations of impurity or misleading sale. In today’s jewellery market, customers are more aware and cautious. Since gold prices are high, even small purity differences can cause major financial loss to consumers. Hallmarking helps create a transparent system where purity is recorded, verified, and traceable.

Conclusion

Hallmark Registration for Jewellers is an essential compliance for any jewellery business that wants to sell hallmarked gold or silver jewellery in India. The process is simple, online, instant, free of cost, and valid for lifetime. However, the legal responsibilities after registration are serious. Jewellers must display the BIS certificate, maintain proper invoices, sell properly hallmarked jewellery, use BIS-recognised A&H Centres, update business details, and avoid any misuse of hallmark.

With recent updates such as expansion of mandatory hallmarking districts, inclusion of 9K/375 gold, and HUID-based silver hallmarking developments, jewellers should stay updated with BIS notifications. A registered and compliant jeweller not only follows the law but also builds long-term trust in the market.

FAQs

Q1. What is Hallmark Registration for Jewellers?

Ans. Hallmark Registration is a BIS certificate that allows jewellers to sell hallmarked gold and silver jewellery. It confirms that the jeweller is registered with BIS for selling hallmarked articles. The registration is obtained online through the BIS portal.

Q2. Is Hallmark Registration mandatory for all jewellers?

Ans. It is mandatory for jewellers selling hallmarked jewellery and for jewellers in notified mandatory hallmarking districts, subject to exemptions. Jewellers in non-mandatory districts can also sell hallmarked jewellery, but they must be registered with BIS.

Q3. Is there any government fee for Hallmark Registration?

Ans. As per BIS, jeweller registration is granted instantly without uploading documents and without payment of registration fee. The certificate remains valid for lifetime.

Q4. What is HUID in hallmarking?

Ans. HUID means Hallmark Unique Identification. It is a unique code marked on hallmarked jewellery for traceability and verification. Customers can verify HUID through the BIS Care App.

Q5. Can a jeweller sell non-hallmarked jewellery?

Ans. In mandatory hallmarking districts, finished jewellery covered under the order must be hallmarked before sale unless it falls under an exemption. In non-mandatory districts, rules may differ, but selling hallmarked jewellery still requires BIS registration.

Q6. Are small jewellers exempt from hallmarking?

Ans. Jewellers with annual turnover up to Rs. 40 lakh are exempted from mandatory hallmarking. However, if they want to sell hallmarked jewellery, they must obtain BIS registration.

Q7. Is hallmarking required for jewellery below 2 grams?

Ans. BIS has provided exemption for jewellery weighing up to 2 grams due to difficulty in marking. However, such jewellery may be hallmarked voluntarily if the jeweller wants.

Q8. Can imported jewellery be sold without hallmarking?

Ans. No, imported jewellery can be sold in India by a registered jeweller only after it is tested and hallmarked by a BIS-recognised hallmarking centre.

Q9. What details should be mentioned in the jewellery invoice?

Ans. The invoice should mention article description, net weight of precious metal, purity in carat and fineness, and hallmarking charges. It should also mention that the consumer can verify purity at a BIS-recognised A&H Centre.

Q10. Can BIS cancel Hallmark Registration?

Ans. Yes, BIS can cancel registration for unfair practices, misuse of hallmark, false information, violation of BIS rules, or conviction under the BIS Act. A jeweller whose registration is cancelled may face a cooling period before applying again.