Gold Hallmark Check — How to Verify BIS Hallmark on Gold Jewellery

What is Gold Hallmarking?

Gold hallmarking is a purity certification system managed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). When gold jewellery is hallmarked, it means the item has been tested at a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC) and certified to contain the exact purity of gold as claimed by the jeweller.

In simple terms, a hallmark on your gold jewellery is a government guarantee of gold purity. It protects consumers from being cheated with impure or adulterated gold.

The Government of India made hallmarking mandatory from 23 June 2021 under the Bureau of Indian Standards (Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts) Order, 2020. From 1 April 2023, only HUID-based hallmarking is accepted — the old hallmarking system without HUID is no longer valid for new jewellery.

Why Gold Hallmarking is Important

• Purity guarantee — Ensures you get exactly the karat (22K, 18K, or 14K) you pay for
• Consumer protection — If hallmarked gold is found impure, you get 2x compensation for the purity shortfall plus testing charges
• Prevents fraud — Eliminates the risk of buying adulterated or under-karat gold
• Resale value — Hallmarked jewellery fetches better resale prices as purity is certified
• Traceability — Every hallmarked item has a unique HUID that links it to the jeweller and AHC
• Lifetime validity — The hallmark remains valid for the entire lifetime of the jewellery

Hallmark Symbols Explained

Since the HUID-based hallmarking system (mandatory from April 2023), every hallmarked gold item carries three marks:

1. BIS Logo

The official BIS triangle logo confirms the item has been certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

2. Purity Grade (Fineness Number)

This indicates the gold purity in parts per thousand:

Most common: 22K (916) is the standard for Indian gold jewellery. 18K (750) is used for diamond-studded and designer pieces. 14K (585) is common in lightweight daily-wear jewellery.

3. HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification Number)

A 6-character alphanumeric code uniquely assigned to each piece of jewellery. This is the most important mark — it links the jewellery to the jeweller, AHC, and purity details in the BIS database.

Note: The old hallmarking system (before 2023) had 4 marks — BIS logo, purity, AHC mark, and jeweller's identification mark. The new system replaced the last two with a single HUID.

What is HUID?

HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification Number) is a 6-character alphanumeric code stamped on every hallmarked gold article. It was introduced to make hallmarking tamper-proof and digitally traceable.

Each HUID is unique and stored in the BIS database. Using this code, anyone can verify:

• Gold purity (karat and fineness)
• Jeweller's registration number
• Assaying and Hallmarking Centre that tested the item
• Date of hallmarking

HUID-based hallmarking became mandatory for all gold jewellery sold in India from 1 April 2023.

How to Verify Gold Hallmark Online

You can verify the authenticity of any hallmarked gold jewellery using the HUID in two ways:

Method 1: Using BIS Care App

The BIS Care app is the official mobile application by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Steps to verify:

1. Download the BIS Care app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Open the app and tap on "Verify HUID"
3. Enter the 6-character HUID printed on your jewellery
4. Tap Search — the app will display complete details including purity, jeweller info, and AHC details
5. Cross-check the displayed purity with what's stamped on the jewellery

Tip: You can also use the app to scan the HUID if your jewellery has a QR code.

Method 2: Using BIS Website

1. Visit the official BIS website: www.bis.gov.in
2. Navigate to Hallmarking section
3. Use the "Verify HUID" option
4. Enter the 6-character HUID code
5. View the complete hallmark details

What If Verification Fails?

If the HUID does not show any results or shows different purity than claimed:

• The jewellery may be fake or tampered
• Do not buy the item or file a complaint with BIS immediately
• Get the jewellery tested at a BIS-recognised AHC independently

How to Read Hallmark on Gold Jewellery

When examining gold jewellery, look for these marks (usually stamped on the inner surface):

1. BIS Logo — A small triangular mark with "BIS" inside
2. Fineness number — e.g., 916 (for 22K), 750 (for 18K), or 585 (for 14K)
3. HUID code — A 6-character alphanumeric code (e.g., A1B2C3)

Where to look:

• Rings — Inner band
• Chains/Necklaces — On the clasp or near the hook
• Bangles — Inner surface
• Earrings — On the post or back

Use a magnifying glass — Hallmark impressions are very small and may be difficult to read with the naked eye.

Mandatory Hallmarking Rules in India

Key rules you should know:

• Mandatory since 23 June 2021 — All gold jewellery sold by registered jewellers must be hallmarked
• HUID mandatory from 1 April 2023 — Only HUID-based hallmarking is valid for new jewellery
• Applicable karats — 14K, 18K, 20K, 21K, 22K, 23K, and 24K gold
• Jeweller registration — All jewellers must register with BIS to sell hallmarked gold
• Exemptions — Jewellery for export, items below 2 grams, kundan/polki/jadau work, and watches are exempt
• Penalty for violations — Selling non-hallmarked gold attracts penalties including fine up to ₹1 lakh and imprisonment up to 1 year under the BIS Act, 2016
• Old jewellery — Consumers can freely sell their old un-hallmarked jewellery to jewellers
• Phased implementation — The mandate was rolled out in phases across districts

How to File a Complaint for Fake Hallmark

If you suspect your hallmarked gold jewellery is impure or carries a fake hallmark:

Online Complaint

1. BIS Care App — Open the app → Go to Complaints section → Fill the form with HUID, purchase details, and your complaint
2. BIS Website — Visit www.bis.gov.in → Navigate to Complaint Registration portal
3. Email — Send complaint to complaints@bis.gov.in with full details and purchase receipt

Offline Complaint

• Visit or write to the Public Grievance Officer at the nearest BIS Regional or Branch Office

Compensation

Under Rule 49 of BIS Rules, 2018, if hallmarked gold is found to have lower purity than declared, you are entitled to:

• 2x the value difference based on the shortage in purity for the weight of the article
• Testing charges reimbursement

Important Tips for Buying Gold Jewellery

1. Always ask for hallmarked jewellery — Don't buy gold without the BIS hallmark
2. Verify HUID immediately — Use the BIS Care app at the shop itself before paying
3. Check the bill — Ensure the HUID number is mentioned on the purchase invoice
4. Buy from BIS-registered jewellers — Check jeweller registration on the BIS website
5. Keep your invoice safe — Required for complaints and resale
6. Know your karat — 22K (916) is standard for jewellery; 24K (999) is for coins and bars
7. Compare making charges — Hallmarking standardises purity, so compare making charges and rates across shops
8. Test old jewellery — Get un-hallmarked old jewellery tested at any BIS-recognised AHC (charges apply)
9. Don't rely on colour — Gold colour can be deceptive; only hallmark and HUID verify purity
10. Check for all 3 marks — BIS logo, fineness number, and HUID must all be present

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hallmarking mandatory for all gold jewellery in India?

Yes, since 23 June 2021, hallmarking is mandatory for gold jewellery sold by registered jewellers in notified districts. From 1 April 2023, only HUID-based hallmarking is accepted for new jewellery.

What is HUID and where do I find it on my jewellery?

HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification Number) is a 6-character alphanumeric code stamped on hallmarked gold jewellery. It is usually found on the inner surface — inside rings, on clasps of chains, or inner side of bangles.

How can I verify if my gold jewellery is genuinely hallmarked?

Download the BIS Care app and use the "Verify HUID" feature. Enter the 6-character HUID code from your jewellery. The app will show purity details, jeweller information, and AHC details. If no results appear, the hallmark may be fake.

Is the hallmark valid forever?

Yes, the BIS hallmark is valid for the entire lifetime of the jewellery. You do not need to get it re-hallmarked.

Can I sell old un-hallmarked gold jewellery?

Yes, consumers can freely sell their old un-hallmarked or hallmarked gold jewellery to jewellers. The mandatory hallmarking rule applies only to the sale of new jewellery by jewellers.

What compensation do I get if hallmarked gold is found impure?

Under BIS Rules 2018, you get 2 times the value difference calculated on the basis of purity shortage for the weight of the article sold, plus testing charges.

Which types of gold jewellery are exempt from mandatory hallmarking?

Jewellery meant for export, items weighing less than 2 grams, kundan, polki and jadau jewellery, watches, and fountain pens are exempt from mandatory hallmarking.

How much does hallmark testing cost?

The hallmarking charges are typically ₹45 per article (may vary slightly by AHC). The cost is usually included in the jeweller's making charges.