The process of introducing hallmarking in India was started in phases.
10.56 million pieces of gold jewelry were hallmarked in India in FY2022-23.
The central government has stated that from April 1, 2023, gold jewelry and other artefacts can no longer be sold without the mandatory Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID). Nidhi Khare, Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, gave an update on the government’s decision at a press conference on Friday.
She said the Department of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution made the decision to ban the sale of gold jewelry and gold artifacts without a Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID) in consideration of consumers’ interests.
The Indian Standards (BIS) official website states that hallmarking is an accurate determination and official record of the percentage of precious metal in gold jewelry and other items.
The Department has also announced that an 80% rebate will be offered on the certification and minimum labeling fee for micro-units, while an additional 10% rebate on the certification fee will be reserved for units in the Northeastern states.
After March 31, 2023, only 6 digit alphanumeric HUIDs will be considered valid. Previously, BIS considered both 4- and 6-digit IDs valid, but now only 6-digit HUIDs are valid. The process of introducing hallmarking in India was started in phases.
Nidhi Khare said that 10.56 million pieces of gold jewelery were hallmarked in the 2022-23 financial year.
What is Hallmarking?
A hallmark is a recognized official mark of authenticity that certifies the “purity or fineness of precious metal products.” The primary goal of hallmarking is to protect the general public from gold adulteration by requiring manufacturers to adhere to predetermined standards for 18, 22, and 24 karat gold.
The government had declared in November 2019 that gold hallmarking would be required from January 15, 2021. However, due to the pandemic, that date has been extended twice, first to June 1st and then to June 16th. According to BIS, its hallmarking system has global standards for gold certification. Jewelers must register in the BIS system when selling hallmarked jewellery.
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