Since June 2021, BIS hallmarking is mandatory for all gold jewelry sold in India. Here's how to read the hallmark, verify its authenticity, and protect yourself from fake markings.

What is BIS Hallmarking?

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) hallmarking is a government certification that guarantees the purity of gold and silver jewelry. It's administered by BIS and stamped by authorized hallmarking centers across India.

      Why it matters: Without hallmarking, you have no guarantee that 22K jewelry is actually 22K. Hallmarking protects consumers from getting cheated on purity.
    

The 5 Components of a BIS Hallmark

A complete BIS hallmark consists of 5 distinct marks stamped on the jewelry:

1. BIS Logo (Triangle)

The triangular BIS logo certifies that the item was hallmarked at a BIS-authorized center.

2. Purity Grade (Number)

Indicates the gold content:

916 = 22 karat (91.6% pure gold)
958 = 23 karat (95.8% pure gold)
999 = 24 karat (99.9% pure gold)
750 = 18 karat (75% pure gold)
585 = 14 karat (58.5% pure gold)

3. Hallmarking Center Mark

A unique code identifying which hallmarking center certified the item. This is typically a letter + number combination (e.g., "M15", "D22").

4. Jeweller's Identification Mark

A unique code assigned to the jeweller who manufactured or sold the item. Usually 2-3 letters.

5. HUID (Hallmark Unique ID)

This is the most important part. A 6-digit alphanumeric code that is unique to that specific piece of jewelry. This was made mandatory in June 2021.

Example HUID: A3B5C7

How to Verify HUID Online

The HUID can be verified on the official BIS website to confirm authenticity:

Go to: https://bis.gov.in
Navigate to: Services → Hallmarking → Consumer
Click "Verify Hallmark"
Enter the 6-digit HUID code
Enter the captcha and submit

The result will show:

Jeweller name and address
Hallmarking center details
Purity grade (916, 999, etc.)
Date of hallmarking
Jewelry category (ring, necklace, earring, etc.)

      Red flag: If the HUID doesn't show up in the BIS database, or if the details don't match what the jeweller told you, DO NOT buy the item. It's likely fake or tampered.
    

Common Hallmarking Frauds to Watch For

1. Fake Hallmark Stamps

Some jewellers stamp jewelry with fake BIS logos and purity numbers. Always verify the HUID online — fake stamps won't have a valid HUID.

2. Recycled Hallmarks

Old jewelry with genuine hallmarks gets melted down, and the hallmark is transferred to new, lower-purity jewelry. This is why HUID was introduced — each piece has a unique code that can't be reused.

3. Misleading Purity Claims

A jeweller might claim "22K gold" but only hallmark it as 18K (750). Always check the stamped number, not just what they tell you.

4. Missing HUID

If jewelry sold after June 2021 doesn't have a HUID, it's illegal to sell. Walk away.

Where to Find the Hallmark on Jewelry

Hallmarks are usually stamped on:

Rings: Inside the band
Bangles/Bracelets: Inner surface
Necklaces/Chains: On the clasp or a flat portion
Earrings: On the post or back plate
Pendants: On the back or bail (the loop that attaches to the chain)

You may need a magnifying glass or jeweller's loupe to read the tiny stamps clearly.

What If There's No Hallmark?

For jewelry purchased before June 2021: Old jewelry without hallmarks is still legal to own and sell. You can get it tested at a hallmarking center or use an XRF analyzer to verify purity.

For new jewelry (after June 2021): If a jeweller sells you jewelry without a BIS hallmark and HUID, they are breaking the law. Report them to BIS or file a consumer complaint.

Silver Hallmarking

BIS hallmarking for silver became mandatory in August 2021. The process is similar to gold:

BIS logo (triangle)
Purity grade: Usually 925 (sterling silver) or 999 (fine silver)
Hallmarking center mark
Jeweller's mark
HUID (for items post-August 2021)

Verification process is the same — check the HUID on the BIS website.

Quick Checklist When Buying Gold/Silver

✅ Check for BIS logo (triangle)
✅ Verify purity number (916, 999, 925, etc.)
✅ Look for HUID (6-digit alphanumeric code)
✅ Verify HUID on BIS website before paying
✅ Confirm hallmarking center and jeweller details match
✅ Get a proper invoice with HUID mentioned
✅ Insist on a certificate from the jeweller if buying expensive items

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you've bought jewelry and later discovered the hallmark is fake:

Complain to the jeweller first — demand a refund or replacement
File a complaint with BIS: Email bis-hallmarking@bis.gov.in or call the BIS helpline
Consumer court: File a case under the Consumer Protection Act if the jeweller refuses to cooperate
Police complaint: Selling fake hallmarks is a criminal offense under the BIS Act

Key Takeaways

Always verify the HUID online before buying. This is the single most important step to ensure you're getting genuine hallmarked jewelry.

Don't trust verbal assurances. Only the stamped hallmark and verified HUID matter.

Keep your invoice safe. It should mention the HUID, weight, purity, and making charges. You'll need this for resale or insurance claims.

BIS hallmarking has significantly improved transparency in India's gold market. By learning to read and verify hallmarks, you can confidently buy jewelry knowing you're getting exactly what you paid for.

How to Verify BIS Hallmark