BIS Hallmarking for 22k Gold: Complete Guide (2026)

Key Takeaways

• BIS hallmarking certifies 22K gold as 91.6% pure. It carries the “916” purity mark and BIS logo.
• Since 1 July 2021, hallmarks have three marks: the BIS logo, purity grade, and six-digit alphanumeric HUID.
• Old hallmarks without a HUID have been unsellable since 1 April 2023.
• Mandatory hallmarking covers 14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K, and 24K gold. 9K hallmarking is voluntary.
• Hallmarking coverage has expanded to 380 districts. This applies from the sixth phase, effective March 2026.
• Hallmarking costs ₹45 per gold article, excluding GST. The minimum charge is ₹200 per consignment.
• Selling non-hallmarked gold jewellery in mandatory districts is an offense under the BIS Act, 2016. Fines can reach ₹1 lakh for a first offense and ₹5 lakh for repeat violations.

What is BIS Hallmarking For 22k Gold?

BIS hallmarking confirms the purity of 22K gold jewellery. Since 22K gold contains 91.6% pure gold, it is marked as “916” under the BIS hallmarking system. The hallmark assures buyers that the jewellery meets the required purity standard.

Since 1 July 2021, every BIS hallmark has three components:

• BIS logo: Identifies the certifying authority.
• Purity grade: Shows the gold purity, such as “916” for 22K gold.
• Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number: A unique six-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each piece. It is recorded in the BIS database and can be verified through the BIS CARE app.

The HUID helps buyers verify the specific piece of jewellery. It also reduces doubts about its purity and authenticity.

Importance of Gold Hallmarking

Gold hallmarking confirms purity and protects both buyers and sellers. It also makes gold transactions more transparent and reliable.

• Guarantee of Purity: BIS hallmarking confirms that 22K gold contains 91.6% pure gold. It reduces the risk of adulteration or lower purity.
• Consumer Protection: Hallmarking protects buyers from falsely labelled gold. If a hallmarked article has lower purity than stated, the buyer can claim compensation equal to twice the value of the purity shortfall under Section 49 of the BIS Rules, 2018.
• Government Compliance: Mandatory hallmarking covers 14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K, and 24K gold. It now covers 380 districts as of the sixth phase in March 2026. 9K hallmarking is voluntary.
• Resale Value: Hallmarked gold is easier to resell. Jewelers can verify its purity before accepting it.
• Enhanced Trust: Hallmarking improves transparency between buyers and sellers. The HUID system also makes each piece individually traceable.

How to Register for a BIS Hallmark in 22k Gold?

For jewelers and gold manufacturers, BIS hallmarking is required to sell 22K gold as hallmarked. The registration process has four stages:

• Application submission: Register online through the official BIS portal. Submit the required business, identity, and application documents.
• Premises inspection: A BIS representative inspects your workshop or business premises. They verify that your operations match the information provided.
• Gold sample testing: Submit 22K gold samples to a BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Center. The center tests whether the gold meets the 916 purity standard.
• Certificate issuance: After successful inspection and testing, BIS issues the hallmarking registration certificate. This allows you to sell gold with the BIS logo, purity grade, and HUID number. HUIDs are assigned to individual articles during the hallmarking process.

Accurate paperwork is important throughout the process. Errors in documents can cause delays during inspection and testing.

Documents You Need for BIS Hallmarking for 22k Gold

Applicants must submit specific documents during the hallmarking process. These documents help the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) verify the jeweler and business premises.

The required documents include:

1. Proof of Business Registration: GST Registration Certificate, MSME registration, or company incorporation certificate.
2. Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or any government-issued ID of the applicant or business owner.
3. Address Proof of Premises: Trade license, property lease agreement, or electricity bill.
4. Filled Application Form: Complete all required details accurately.
5. Inventory Details: Current gold stock and a list of manufacturing equipment at the business premises.
6. Testing Equipment Certification (if applicable): Details of machinery used for jewellery testing and compliance with gold standards.

Keep these documents ready to streamline the hallmark registration process and comply with BIS standards.

What Does Hallmarking Cost?

BIS sets hallmarking charges per article. The charge does not depend on the piece’s weight or value.

• Gold articles: ₹45 per piece, excluding GST. The minimum consignment charge is ₹200.
• GST: An 18% GST applies to the hallmarking charge. This brings the cost to about ₹53 per article.
• No minimum lot size: You can submit a single article for hallmarking. A bulk consignment is not required.

The charge covers purity testing, HUID assignment, and documentation. It is separate from any BIS registration fee paid by a jeweler to become a certified hallmarking applicant.

How to Verify a HUID Number?

Buyers can verify a piece’s hallmark before finalizing a purchase:

1. Download the BIS CARE app on Android or iOS.
2. Select “Verify HUID.”
3. Enter the six-digit alphanumeric HUID number stamped on the jewellery.
4. Review the registered details, including the supplier or manufacturer’s registration information.

This process confirms whether the piece is registered in the BIS database and helps identify counterfeit or fake laser-etched marks.

What Happens If a Jeweler Sells Gold Without Hallmarking?

Selling non-hallmarked gold jewellery or artefacts in a district where hallmarking is mandatory is an offense under the BIS Act, 2016.

• First offense: A fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
• Repeat offense: A fine of up to ₹5 lakh.
• Registration risk: BIS may suspend or cancel a jeweler’s registration for repeated non-compliance. This can prevent them from selling hallmarked gold until reinstated.

Buyers should also know these rules. A legitimate jeweler in a mandatory district should be willing to show the HUID number on request.