Is Hallmarking Mandatory for Gold Jewellery in India?

Hallmarking has changed the way gold is bought in India, but people are often unsure what is compulsory and what is not. Here is the position in plain terms, with a reminder that rules are updated from time to time.

The basic rule

The government made BIS hallmarking compulsory for gold jewellery and gold artefacts. Under the rules, jewellers selling covered items must sell hallmarked pieces that carry a Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID). The aim is to protect buyers by making sure the stated purity has been independently tested.

Which karats are covered?

The mandatory grades are 14, 18, 20, 22, 23 and 24 karat. A 9 karat grade exists in the standard and is voluntary. See the gold karat chart for what each means.

Where does it apply?

Mandatory hallmarking was brought in district by district, in phases. A government announcement in March 2026 reported a sixth phase that took the number of covered districts to 380. Because the list changes, the BIS website is the place to see whether a given district is covered. In districts where it is covered, jewellers are expected to sell only hallmarked items in the covered purities.

Does it apply to every piece?

Not every item is within scope. Certain categories have been exempt from the rules, for example items of very low weight and some forms of special jewellery. If you are unsure whether a piece should be hallmarked, ask the jeweller why or why not, and ask for it in writing on the bill.

What about old jewellery?

Pieces made before the rules came in will not carry a HUID. That does not mean they are of poor quality. If you wish to sell or exchange them, a jeweller can send them for hallmarking, or you can have them assayed. See how old gold exchange works.

What does a jeweller have to do?

Jewellers who sell hallmarked items are expected to be registered with BIS, and the hallmarking is carried out by recognised assaying and hallmarking centres. Each piece is tested, marked and given a HUID.

What should you check as a buyer?

1. The BIS logo on the piece.
2. The purity mark, such as 18K750.
3. A six-character HUID.
4. That the invoice lists the same details.

Read BIS hallmark marks explained and what a HUID is and how to verify it.

If a piece has no HUID

Ask the jeweller why. If the answer does not satisfy you, consider choosing another piece or another shop. You are entitled to the information on the bill, and a hallmarked alternative is almost always available.

Common questions

Is silver jewellery covered? The compulsory rules discussed here are for gold jewellery. Hallmarking for silver has been a separate and voluntary arrangement, so ask the seller what a silver mark means.

Does hallmarking add to the price? There is a small hallmarking fee per piece. It is usually included in the price you see.

Can I get a piece hallmarked myself? Hallmarking is done at recognised centres, normally through a jeweller who is registered with BIS. Ask a registered jeweller to handle it.

How we handle it

Gold jewellery sold in India is expected to carry a BIS hallmark with a HUID. If you would like to see one checked at the counter, book a visit, or look at the details on any diamond ring listing.