BIS Hallmarking — Key Statistics
Gold hallmarking throughput, infrastructure & charges
40 Cr+
Items Hallmarked
1,622+
Active AHCs
4 Lakh+/day
Daily Throughput
₹45/article
Gold Charge
₹35/article
Silver Charge
Mandatory Rollout Phases
Phased expansion of mandatory gold hallmarking across India
| Phase | Date | New Districts | Cumulative | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Jun 2021 | 256 | 256 | Initial mandatory rollout |
| Phase 2 | Apr 2022 | +32 | 288 | Extended to smaller districts |
| Phase 3 | Jun 2023 | +55 | 343 | Pan-India expansion |
| Phase 4 | Apr 2024 | +All remaining | All 767 | All districts covered — current phase |
| Silver | Aug 2025 | Pan-India | Pan-India | Silver hallmarking launched (voluntary) |
Gold Purity Grades
7 recognized karat grades under BIS hallmarking
| Karat | Millesimal | Purity | Common in India |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% | Yes |
| 23K | 958 | 95.8% | No |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% | Yes |
| 21K | 875 | 87.5% | No |
| 18K | 750 | 75.0% | Yes |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% | No |
| 9K | 375 | 37.5% | No |
Silver Hallmarking Status
Launched Aug 2025 · Currently voluntary
Status
Voluntary
Launched
Aug 2025
Purity Grades
7
AHCs
230+
Hallmarking Guide
What is HUID?
HUID (Hallmark Unique ID) is a 6-digit alphanumeric code engraved on every hallmarked gold article. It links to a digital record containing the purity, jeweller's details, and the Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (AHC) that tested the article. Consumers can verify any HUID on the BIS Care app or website instantly.
How Hallmarking Works
Jewellers submit articles to a BIS-recognized AHC for testing. The AHC uses XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) to verify purity, then engraves the HUID using a laser. The hallmark stamp includes the BIS logo, purity grade (e.g. 916 for 22K), and the HUID number. The process takes 1-3 days and costs ₹45 per article for gold and₹35 for silver.
Silver Hallmarking
BIS launched voluntary silver hallmarking in August 2025 for 7 fineness grades: 999, 970, 925, 900, 835, 800, and 500. Unlike gold hallmarking which is mandatory, silver hallmarking is currently voluntary. Over 230 AHCs have been registered for silver testing. The hallmarking process and HUID system works identically to gold.
Consumer Tips
Always verify the HUID before purchasing gold or silver jewellery. If a jeweller refuses to provide HUID-stamped articles, it is a red flag. Check the BIS Care app to confirm purity matches what the seller claims. For investment gold, ensure you receive 999 or 995 fineness bars from LBMA-accredited or BIS-licensed refiners.
Source: BIS, Ministry of Consumer Affairs · Hallmarking data as of 2025