BIS Hallmark Jewellery: What It Means and How to Verify Authenticity
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In India, millions of consumers lose money every year to impure or fake jewellery. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Hallmarking system was created to protect you. Since January 2022, BIS Hallmarking is mandatory for gold jewellery in India. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is BIS Hallmarking?
BIS Hallmarking is India's official system of certifying the purity of precious metal jewellery. It is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act and regulated by the Indian government. A BIS Hallmark is proof that your jewellery has been independently tested and certified for the purity it claims.
How to Read a BIS Hallmark
Since July 2021, India uses the 6-digit HUID (Hallmark Unique ID) system. Every hallmarked piece carries:
- BIS Logo — The standard mark (triangle with "BIS")
- Purity/Fineness — e.g., 999, 925, 750, 585, 375 for silver/gold
- 6-digit HUID — alphanumeric code unique to each piece
Common Purity Marks Explained
| Mark | Metal | Purity | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | Gold/Silver | 99.9% | 24 Karat / Pure |
| 925 | Silver | 92.5% | Sterling Silver |
| 750 | Gold | 75% | 18 Karat Gold |
| 585 | Gold | 58.5% | 14 Karat Gold |
| 375 | Gold | 37.5% | 9 Karat Gold |
How to Verify Your Jewellery's BIS Hallmark
The Indian government has made verification easy:
- Download the BIS Care App (available on Google Play and App Store)
- Click "Verify HUID"
- Enter the 6-digit HUID from your jewellery
- The app will show the registered jeweller, metal type, purity, and date of hallmarking
Why Buy Only BIS Hallmarked Jewellery?
- Legal protection: If purity doesn't match, you can file a consumer complaint
- Better resale value: Hallmarked jewellery commands higher buyback prices
- Health safety: Impure metals can cause skin allergies and infections
- Peace of mind: You know exactly what you're wearing
SRK Jewells' Commitment to BIS Hallmarking
Every piece at SRK Jewells — Seth Radha Kishan Jewellers is BIS Hallmarked. We source directly from certified artisans and test every batch for purity before listing. Each purchase includes a BIS Hallmark certificate card for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS Hallmarking mandatory in India?
Yes. Since January 15, 2022, BIS Hallmarking is mandatory for gold jewellery of 14K, 18K, and 22K in India. For silver jewellery, BIS certification is voluntary but increasingly expected by informed consumers.
What should I do if I bought non-hallmarked jewellery?
You can get existing jewellery tested at any BIS-licensed Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (AHC). There are over 1,400 AHCs across India. If purity is substandard, you can file a complaint with BIS or consumer courts.
All SRK Jewells jewellery is BIS Hallmarked — shop with confidence.