BIS Hallmark Registration for Jewellers

Hallmarking provides independent assurance of the purity or fineness of gold and silver articles. It also gives consumers a way to verify hallmark details and seek redressal when required.

Key benefits of hallmarking include:

• Verifies purity: Assures that the article has been tested against the applicable purity or fineness standard.
• Protects consumers: Helps prevent adulteration and misrepresentation of precious-metal purity.
• Enables HUID verification: Consumers can verify the HUID of hallmarked jewellery through the BIS Care App.
• Improves transparency: Standardized hallmarking makes the purity and fineness of an article easier to verify.
• Supports consumer redressal: Consumers can get hallmarked jewellery tested at a BIS-recognized A&H Centre. Where the article has lower purity than marked, applicable compensation is provided under the BIS framework.
• Promotes standardized quality: Hallmarking requires precious-metal articles to meet the applicable standards before they are marked.
• Supports fair trade: Common purity standards create greater consistency in transactions between jewellers and consumers.

BIS hallmarking covers gold and silver jewellery and artefacts under the applicable Indian Standards. Gold and silver articles are tested and hallmarked through BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centres.

1. Gold Hallmarking Grades

Under IS 1417, the applicable gold grades include:

• 24KF: 999 and above fineness
• 24KS: 995 and above fineness
• 23K: 958 fineness
• 22K: 916 fineness
• 20K: 833 fineness
• 18K: 750 fineness
• 14K: 585 fineness
• 9K: 375 fineness

Note: K stands for karat, which indicates the proportion of pure gold in an alloy. KF stands for Karat Fineness, while KS stands for Karat Standard. 24KF is strictly applicable to gold bullion, including bars and coins, only. 9K gold was added to the hallmarking framework from 1 July 2025.

2. Silver Hallmarking Grades

Under IS 2112, silver jewellery and artefacts can be hallmarked at the following grades:

• 800 fineness
• 835 fineness
• 925 fineness
• 958 fineness
• 970 fineness
• 990 fineness
• 999 fineness

3. Hallmark Identification

For hallmarked gold jewellery, the hallmark includes the BIS Standard Mark, purity and fineness mark, and a six-digit alphanumeric HUID. Consumers can verify the HUID through the BIS Care App.

White gold and jewellery containing other metals mixed with gold can also fall under the applicable mandatory hallmarking requirements.

Under the current HUID-based hallmarking system, hallmarked gold jewellery and artefacts carry three mandatory marks:

1. BIS Standard Mark: The BIS logo indicates that the article has been hallmarked under the BIS hallmarking scheme. For silver, the mark also includes the word "SILVER".
2. Purity and Fineness Mark: This indicates the gold's purity in carat and fineness terms, such as 22K (916), 18K (750), 14K (585), and 9K (375). For silver, it indicates the applicable purity grade.
3. Six-Digit Alphanumeric HUID: The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each hallmarked article. It is laser-marked on the jewellery to identify the jeweller and the Assaying and Hallmarking Centre. HUID-based hallmarking is also available voluntarily for silver articles under IS 2112:2025.

Consumers can use the Verify HUID feature in the BIS Care App to verify the HUID and access information associated with the hallmarked jewellery. For silver, the BIS Standard Mark and purity grade apply, while HUID-based hallmarking is currently voluntary.

Note: A manufacturer or jeweller may additionally place their own mark on hallmarked jewellery or artefacts.

BIS jeweller (hallmark) registration applies to businesses that sell hallmarked gold or silver jewellery and artefacts. The requirement covers manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers, subject to applicable exemptions.

The following businesses require BIS Hallmark registration:

• Jewellery retailers selling hallmarked gold or silver jewellery through physical stores.
• Jewellery manufacturers selling gold or silver jewellery or artefacts.
• Wholesalers and distributors selling hallmarked precious-metal articles.
• Online jewellery sellers offering hallmarked gold or silver jewellery through e-commerce channels.
• Jewellery chains operating multiple outlets that sell hallmarked articles.
• Proprietorships, partnership firms, LLPs, private limited companies, and other business entities engaged in selling hallmarked gold or silver jewellery.

BIS states that jewellers with annual turnover up to ₹40 lakh are outside mandatory hallmarking but may voluntarily obtain BIS registration.

Job-work artisans and manufacturers making gold jewellery for jewellers may be exempt from registration, subject to applicable conditions.

Hallmarking is required at the first point of sale, and the seller making that sale is responsible for getting the article hallmarked.

Businesses dealing only in imitation jewellery or fashion accessories that do not contain covered gold or silver do not require BIS jeweller registration for hallmarking purposes.

BIS currently grants jeweller registration online through the National Single Window System (NSWS), which can be accessed directly or through the BIS portal. The registration is granted instantly, with no registration fee and without requiring document uploads.

However, jewellers should keep their business and compliance records ready for verification and future BIS requirements. The following information may be relevant based on the business structure and operations:

Keeping these records updated helps jewellers respond to BIS verification, inspections, or other compliance requirements when applicable.

BIS Hallmark registration (also commonly called a BIS hallmark license) allows eligible jewellers to sell hallmarked gold and silver jewellery and artefacts.

Step 1: Access the BIS Manak Online Portal

Visit the BIS Manak Online portal or the National Single Window System (NSWS) to access the jeweller registration service. NSWS can be accessed directly or through the BIS portal. Enter the required applicant and business details to begin the registration process.

Step 2: Submit the Registration Application

Provide the required details, including:

• Business name and constitution
• Registered address
• Contact details
• Authorized signatory details
• Applicable sales outlet details

The current BIS process does not require supporting document uploads for granting the registration.

Step 3: Receive the Registration Certificate

BIS grants the Certificate of Registration instantly after submission. The registration number and certificate are provided through the online system. The certificate remains valid for the lifetime of the registration.

Step 4: Submit Jewellery to a BIS-Recognized AHC

After registration, the jeweller can submit eligible jewellery or artefacts to a BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC). The centre tests the articles and applies the applicable hallmark if they meet the required standard. Articles that do not meet the declared purity may be rejected and returned to the jeweller.

For gold jewellery, the hallmark includes the BIS Standard Mark, purity and fineness, and a six-digit alphanumeric HUID. The HUID is laser-marked on the article.

Step 5: Sell the Hallmarked Jewellery

Once the jewellery is hallmarked, it can be sold in accordance with the applicable BIS requirements. The invoice must include the description of each article, net precious-metal weight, purity in carat and fineness, and hallmarking charges. Mentioning the HUID on the invoice is currently voluntary.

Step 6: Maintain BIS Compliance

Registered jewellers must follow applicable BIS hallmarking and outlet requirements. The jewellery outlet should:

• Display the BIS logo with the wording “Hallmarked Jewellery Available for Sale” outside the outlet.
• Display the Certificate of Registration prominently at the outlet.
• Display the components of the hallmark and the relationship between fineness and caratage.
• Keep a 10X magnifying glass available for customers to inspect hallmark details.
• Keep a weighing balance with 0.01 g accuracy available for customers.
• Display the contact details of the relevant BIS office and Facilitation Centre.
• Display the applicable hallmarking charges of ₹75 per gold article (previously ₹45) and ₹35 per silver article.
• Display the BIS Care App Verify HUID poster for customers.

Consumers can use the Verify HUID feature in the BIS Care App to verify the HUID of applicable hallmarked gold jewellery.

Note: BIS registration and hallmarking are separate steps. Registration applies to the jeweller, while eligible articles must undergo testing and hallmarking at a BIS-recognized AHC where required.

BIS jeweller registration is free, with no government registration fee, while hallmarking charges are ₹75 per gold article (revised from ₹45 via the BIS (Hallmarking) Amendment Regulations, 2026, dated 14 September 2026) and ₹35 per silver article, payable to the BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC). The registration is valid for the lifetime of the certificate, so there is no renewal fee.

The applicable charges are:

Hallmarking charges are calculated per article, regardless of its weight. Making and wastage charges are not included. Applicable taxes and other levies are charged separately.

Jewellers should also display the applicable ₹75 gold and ₹35 silver hallmarking charges at their sales outlets.

BIS hallmarking does not have a separate validity period. Once an article is hallmarked, the hallmark remains associated with that article and can be verified through its HUID.

Validity of BIS Hallmark Registration

A BIS Hallmark Certificate of Registration remains valid for the lifetime of the registration. However, BIS may cancel the registration if the jeweller violates the applicable terms and conditions or other hallmarking requirements.

Renewal of BIS Hallmark Registration

Jewellers do not need to renew their BIS Hallmark registration or pay a renewal fee. They should keep their registration and outlet details updated with BIS whenever applicable.

BIS may cancel the registration if a jeweller:

• Provides a false or incorrect declaration
• Violates the terms and conditions of registration
• Sells or offers hallmarked articles with purity or fineness below the marked or claimed level
• Fails to cooperate with BIS during surveillance or complaint investigation
• Engages in unfair practices involving misuse of the BIS hallmark

The BIS Hallmark Certificate of Registration (CoR) is issued to jewellers registered under the BIS Jewellers Registration Scheme. It confirms the jeweller's registration for selling hallmarked gold and silver jewellery and artefacts. The certificate is granted instantly, without a registration fee, and remains valid for the lifetime of the registration.

What Does a BIS Hallmark Registration Certificate Contain?

The certificate issued by BIS contains registration and outlet-related details, which may include:

• Name of the registered jeweller or business
• BIS registration number
• Registered business or outlet address
• Details of the covered retail outlet, where applicable

For corporate registrations covering multiple outlets, BIS issues an independent certificate for each covered retail outlet with the address of that outlet.

Registered jewellers are listed on the official BIS website, allowing consumers to check whether a jeweller has BIS jeweller registration. Consumers can separately verify the HUID of hallmarked gold jewellery through the Verify HUID feature in the BIS Care App.

How to Download the BIS Hallmark Registration Certificate?

Once BIS grants the registration, the jeweller receives the registration number through email and SMS. The Certificate of Registration can then be downloaded and printed using the registration number.

The certificate download process involves the following steps:

1. Access the BIS Manak Online portal: Visit the BIS Manak Online portal used for jeweller registration.
2. Use the registration number: Enter the registration number received from BIS through email or SMS.
3. Access the certificate: Retrieve the Certificate of Registration associated with the registration number.
4. Download and print: Download the certificate and keep a digital copy for your records. Print a copy for display at the jewellery shop.

Registered jewellers must display the Certificate of Registration at their jewellery shop. For corporate registrations covering multiple retail outlets, BIS issues an independent certificate for each covered outlet.

BIS-registered jewellers must follow the applicable hallmarking requirements when selling hallmarked gold and silver jewellery and artefacts. The key requirements cover hallmarking, outlet displays, invoices, customer verification, records, and changes to registration details.

• Sell hallmarked jewellery where required: Follow the applicable mandatory hallmarking requirements for gold and silver articles covered by the current BIS framework.
• Use BIS-recognized AHCs: Get eligible jewellery and artefacts assayed and hallmarked only through a BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC).
• Use prescribed hallmark marks: Ensure applicable hallmarked gold jewellery carries the prescribed hallmark components, including the six-digit HUID.
• Cover registered outlets: Ensure the sales outlets are included under the applicable BIS Hallmark registration.
• Display the registration certificate: Display the Certificate of Registration prominently at the jewellery shop.
• Display the BIS sales notice: Display the BIS logo with the wording “Hallmarked Jewellery Available for Sale” outside the sales outlet.
• Provide a 10X magnifying glass: Keep a magnifying glass with at least 10X magnification available for customers to inspect hallmark details.
• Provide a weighing balance: Keep a weighing balance with 0.01 g accuracy available for customers to verify the weight of jewellery or artefacts.
• Display hallmark information: Display the components of the hallmark and the relationship between fineness and caratage.
• Display BIS contact details: Display the contact details of the relevant BIS office and Facilitation Centre for customer queries or complaints.
• Display hallmarking charges: Display the applicable hallmarking charges at the sales outlet.
• Display HUID verification information: Display the BIS Care App poster so customers can use the Verify HUID feature for applicable hallmarked gold jewellery.
• Issue compliant invoices: Include the article description, net precious-metal weight, purity in carat and fineness, and hallmarking charges in the invoice.
• Maintain applicable records: Maintain records required under the applicable BIS requirements and make them available during verification or surveillance when required.
• Maintain declared purity: Ensure the purity of hallmarked jewellery conforms to the purity and fineness marked on the article.
• Update registration details: Apply through the BIS online portal when there is a relevant change in the firm's name, management, sales outlet address, or contact details.
• Cooperate with BIS: Cooperate with BIS inspections, surveillance, complaint investigations, and sample testing when required.
• Follow current requirements: Comply with the latest applicable BIS standards, hallmarking orders, regulations, and amendments.

BIS hallmarking requirements are enforced under the BIS Act, 2016, the BIS Rules, 2018, and the BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations, 2018. Depending on the nature of the violation, non-compliance may result in:

• Fines: Certain contraventions under Section 29(2) may attract a fine of at least ₹1 lakh that may extend up to five times the value of the goods or articles involved, along with possible imprisonment of up to one year.
• Higher penalties for certain offences: Contravention of Section 17, penalised under Section 29(3), may attract imprisonment of up to two years. The fine is at least ₹2 lakh for the first contravention and ₹5 lakh for subsequent contraventions. It may extend to ten times the value of the goods or articles involved.
• Search and seizure: Authorized BIS officers may search and seize non-compliant goods, articles, materials, or documents in accordance with the BIS Act.
• Cancellation of registration: BIS may cancel a jeweller's Certificate of Registration for specified violations, including selling hallmarked articles with purity or fineness below the marked or claimed level.
• Consumer compensation: A consumer may be entitled to compensation if a hallmarked precious-metal article is found to have lower purity than declared.
• Action for misuse of hallmark: Unauthorized use or misuse of a BIS Standard Mark, including a hallmark, can attract action under the BIS Act.

Consumer Compensation for Purity Shortfall

If a hallmarked precious-metal article is found to have lower purity than the purity marked or declared, Rule 49 of the BIS Rules, 2018 provides for compensation. The compensation is two times the amount of the difference calculated based on the purity shortfall for the weight of the article sold, along with the testing charges.

The registered jeweller who gets the article hallmarked is responsible for its purity and fineness. The registered jeweller who makes the sale is liable to pay compensation for any shortage in purity or fineness as prescribed under the rules.

BIS has introduced several recent changes to the hallmarking framework for gold and silver jewellery. The key updates include changes to gold purity grades, HUID-based identification, silver hallmarking, and mandatory hallmarking requirements.

• 9K Gold Added to the Hallmarking Scheme: BIS added 9K gold with 375 fineness to the permitted gold hallmarking grades from 1 July 2025.
• Six-Digit HUID for Gold Jewellery: Applicable hallmarked gold jewellery carries a six-digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) along with the BIS Standard Mark and purity or fineness mark. Consumers can use the Verify HUID feature in the BIS Care App to check the HUID and related jewellery information.
• Revised Silver Hallmarking Standard: BIS introduced IS 2112:2025 for silver jewellery and artefacts, replacing the earlier IS 2112:2014 standard. The revised standard introduced HUID-based hallmarking for silver voluntarily from 1 September 2025.
• Updated Silver Purity Grades: The revised silver standard changed the permitted grades. The current grades are 800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990, and 999. The revised standard added 958 and 999 and removed 900 from the earlier list.
• Re-Hallmarking of Old Hallmarked Jewellery: Old hallmarked jewellery without the six-digit HUID must be re-hallmarked before being sold, in accordance with the applicable Mandatory Hallmarking Order amendments.
• Ongoing Changes to Mandatory Hallmarking Coverage: BIS continues to update the Mandatory Hallmarking Order through amendments and phase-wise district coverage. The current BIS page lists amendments through 3 August 2026, so jewellers should check the latest applicable district and article requirements before sale.