What Is BIS Hallmarking?

BIS hallmarking is a certification system run by the Bureau of Indian Standards that verifies the purity of gold jewellery and artefacts. A genuine hallmark confirms that the piece has been tested at a licensed Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC) and meets the purity it claims — whether that's 18K, 22K, or any other caratage.

Every hallmarked piece carries a unique HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) — a six-character alphanumeric code that lets buyers verify the item's purity and origin through the BIS Care app, rather than relying on the stamp alone.

Is It Mandatory — Or Still Optional?

Mandatory hallmarking has been in force in India since June 2021, but it has been rolled out in phases rather than applying everywhere at once. Jewellers in "notified" districts above a certain turnover threshold are legally required to sell only hallmarked gold jewellery; selling non-hallmarked gold in these districts is illegal and can attract penalties or even imprisonment for serious violations.

The coverage has expanded steadily since then:

• Since June 2021: Mandatory for 14K, 18K, and 22K gold jewellery.


• From July 2025: 9K gold jewellery was brought under mandatory hallmarking as well.


• Through 2026: The government has continued adding districts in phases — the sixth phase, which took effect in March 2026, brought the total number of districts under mandatory hallmarking to 380, with new districts such as Rupnagar (Punjab), Banda (Uttar Pradesh), and Beed (Maharashtra) added in that round.

In short — as of 2026, mandatory hallmarking now covers gold jewellery across six caratages (14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K, and 24K), with 9K gold hallmarking also available, though on a voluntary basis in some regions. Since the notified list now spans the vast majority of India's organised jewellery retail, in practical terms most reputable jewellers across the country sell only hallmarked gold today, even in districts where it may not yet be strictly compulsory by law.

Why This Matters When You Buy

Buying hallmarked gold protects you in a few concrete ways:

1. Guaranteed purity — the fineness number on the hallmark (for example, 916 for 22K gold) tells you exactly how pure your piece is, so there's no ambiguity about what you're paying for.


2. Traceability — the HUID links your piece to the AHC that tested it, making counterfeiting far harder than with a simple stamped mark.


3. Legal recourse — if a hallmarked piece is later found to be under-carated, you have a documented basis for a complaint.

This applies just as much to lightweight, everyday pieces as it does to statement jewellery. A gold bangle worn every day sees far more wear and tear than an occasional-use piece, so purity assurance matters even more — always check for the BIS triangle mark, the fineness number, and the HUID before you buy one. The same goes for a gold bracelet: since bracelets are often bought as gifts, a verified hallmark gives both the buyer and the recipient confidence that the piece is exactly what it's claimed to be.

Diamond jewellery follows a slightly different certification path — gemstone diamonds are typically certified separately (for cut, clarity, colour, and carat) — but the gold or precious-metal setting itself still falls under BIS hallmarking rules. So when you're buying a diamond ring, it's worth checking both: a diamond certificate for the stone, and a BIS hallmark for the metal band or setting.

A Quick Checklist Before You Purchase

• Look for the BIS triangle logo on the piece.


• Check the fineness number (e.g., 750 for 18K, 916 for 22K) matches what the jeweller claims.


• Note the six-character HUID and verify it on the BIS Care app if you want extra assurance.


• Ask for a hallmarking invoice/certificate for higher-value purchases.

The Bottom Line

BIS hallmarking isn't yet legally mandatory in every single district of India, but the coverage is now wide enough — 380 districts and counting as of 2026 — that it's the norm rather than the exception at any established jeweller. Whether you're shopping for a classic gold bangle, gifting a gold bracelet, or picking out a diamond ring for an engagement, choosing hallmarked jewellery is simply the safest way to be sure you're getting exactly the purity — and value — you're paying for.

Note: Hallmarking regulations continue to evolve, with new districts being added periodically. For the latest official list, check the BIS website or ask your jeweller for current compliance details.