Hallmark Registration in India — A Complete Guide

Expert BIS Hallmarking Services by Mundra Legal Consultants

Overview of Hallmark Registration

At Mundra Legal Consultants, we assist jewellers and precious metal dealers across India in obtaining BIS Hallmark Registration, ensuring complete compliance with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations.

Hallmark registration certifies the purity and fineness of precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, in accordance with Indian Standards. It safeguards both consumers and jewellers by confirming that the metal meets the specified quality benchmarks.

Through the BIS Hallmarking Scheme, jewellers can legally sell hallmarked jewellery that carries:

The BIS Hallmark Logo
The Fineness Number
The Jeweller's Identification Mark
The Assaying and Hallmarking Centre Mark

Each of these marks together guarantees authenticity, purity, and traceability.

At Mundra Legal, we manage the entire process — from documentation and application filing to certification and renewal — ensuring a smooth and compliant hallmark registration journey.

Purpose of Hallmarking

The main purpose of hallmarking is to verify and guarantee the purity of precious metals. In simple terms, hallmarking is like a legal stamp of trust that protects customers and strengthens the reputation of jewellers.

                        Key Objectives
                        Prevent adulteration and fraud in the sale of gold and silver
Provide customers assurance of purity and fineness
Create standardization across the jewellery market
Build transparency and credibility between jewellers and buyers

                    

By obtaining hallmark certification with the help of Mundra Legal, jewellers can confidently market their products as BIS-approved and legally compliant.

Precious Metals Covered Under Hallmarking

Hallmarking in India currently applies to:

Gold

Classified by karatage: 24K, 22K, 21K, 18K with BIS certification for purity verification.

Silver

Sterling silver (925) and other purity grades certified under BIS hallmarking standards.

Platinum

Premium metal with fineness marks 999 or 950, certified with BIS hallmark and diamond symbol.

Gold Purity Classification

Type	Gold Purity	Other Metals
24 Karat	99.9% Pure Gold	None
22 Karat	91.6% Pure Gold	8.4% Alloy Metals
21 Karat	87.5% Pure Gold	12.5% Alloy Metals
18 Karat	75% Pure Gold	25% Alloy Metals

Each piece of gold jewellery bears the BIS logo and a purity grade mark (e.g., 916, 875, 750).

BIS and Its Role in Hallmarking

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the national authority responsible for maintaining the integrity and quality of hallmarking. At Mundra Legal, we coordinate directly with BIS-authorized centres and manage every step of compliance for our clients.

                        BIS Responsibilities Include:
                        Setting standards for fineness and quality
Certifying jewellers and hallmarking centres
Conducting inspections and audits
Maintaining consumer complaint redressal mechanisms
Ensuring consistency and transparency across all hallmarking activities

                    

Through our expert team, Mundra Legal ensures your business aligns with all BIS requirements seamlessly and efficiently.

Benefits of Hallmark Registration for Jewellers

Hallmark registration offers long-term advantages for jewellers and retailers. Partnering with Mundra Legal ensures you maximize these benefits while staying legally protected.

Enhanced Credibility

Official certification of purity enhances your brand's trustworthiness and market reputation.

Legal Compliance

Avoid penalties and legal issues by following BIS regulations and mandatory hallmarking norms.

Consumer Confidence

Customers are more likely to purchase certified jewellery, boosting sales and customer loyalty.

Market Reputation

Hallmarked products are preferred in both domestic and international markets.

Transparency

Hallmarking ensures fair trading and ethical business practices in the jewellery industry.

Higher Resale Value

Hallmarked jewellery commands better value and resale confidence in the market.

Legal Framework Governing Hallmarking

The hallmarking system in India is governed by:

Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016
BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations, 2018
Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Artefacts Order, 2020

Key Legal Provisions:

Mandatory Hallmarking: As of 1 July 2021, hallmarking is mandatory for all gold jewellery
HUID System: From 1 April 2023, BIS introduced the 6-digit Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) system for every hallmarked item
Strict Compliance: Only BIS-registered jewellers can sell hallmarked jewellery
Penalties: Non-compliance may result in suspension, fines, or criminal action under the BIS Act

Mundra Legal ensures your registration meets all legal and procedural standards under these acts and notifications.

Types of Hallmark Registration Certificates

There are two main categories of hallmark certification under BIS:

1. Jeweller Registration Certificate

Issued to jewellers and retailers who wish to sell BIS-hallmarked gold or silver jewellery. Each sales outlet requires a separate certificate.

2. Recognition for Assaying & Hallmarking Centres

Granted to testing centres authorized to perform purity verification and stamping under BIS supervision.

Mundra Legal assists both jewellers and hallmarking centres with these applications, ensuring complete documentation and regulatory compliance.

Eligibility & Documents Required

Who Must Apply

Jewellers (manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers)
Precious metal exporters/importers
Jewellery manufacturers or refiners

                        Documents Required
                        Company Registration (ROC Certificate / Partnership Deed / Proprietorship Proof)
GST Certificate
CA Certificate for Turnover
Proof of Business Premises (Rent Agreement / Sale Deed)
ID Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID)
Property Tax Receipt
Location Map of Premises
GST Returns / Estimated Turnover (for new firms)
Authorized Signatory's e-Signature

                    

Mundra Legal's documentation experts handle these formalities and ensure your application is filed correctly to avoid rejection or delay.

Hallmarking Procedure in India

The hallmarking process involves three main stages:

1. Homogeneity Testing

Samples are tested to confirm consistent purity across similar items.

2. Purity Testing

Performed through BIS-approved methods: Assay Testing, X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Fire Assay (Cupellation), Spectroscopy Analysis.

3. Marking

After successful testing, each item is engraved or laser-marked with BIS Logo, Purity Grade, Jeweller's Mark, Assay Centre Mark, and Unique HUID Number.

Mundra Legal coordinates this entire process through BIS-approved hallmarking centres.

Hallmark Registration Process with Mundra Legal

We simplify hallmark registration for jewellers in six clear steps:

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Discuss your business type, location, and hallmarking needs with our legal team.

Step 2: Document Preparation

Our experts verify and prepare your documentation as per BIS norms.

Step 3: Application Filing

We file your hallmark registration with BIS online and handle communications.

Step 4: Inspection Coordination

BIS-authorized officers inspect your premises and verify details.

Step 5: License Issuance

Once approved, you receive the BIS Hallmark License Certificate for your outlet.

Step 6: Post-Registration Support

We assist with renewals, audits, and ongoing compliance obligations.

Average Processing Time: 30–45 days (depending on BIS verification and document accuracy)

Post-Registration Compliance

After obtaining the hallmark license, jewellers must:

Conduct hallmarking only through BIS-authorized centres
Maintain transaction and testing records
Display the hallmark certificate at the sales outlet
Undergo periodic BIS audits
Renew the hallmark license annually

⚠️ Important: Non-compliance can lead to penalties, license suspension, or criminal liability under the BIS Act.

Mundra Legal provides continuous compliance management, renewal reminders, and legal assistance to safeguard your certification.

How to Identify Hallmarked Jewellery

To verify a piece of jewellery's authenticity, check for:

🔺 BIS Logo

A triangle mark with "BIS"

🔢 Purity/Fineness Grade

e.g., 22K916, 18K750, etc.

👤 Jeweller's ID Mark

Unique identification of the jeweller

🏛️ Assay Centre Mark

BIS-authorized testing centre mark

🔐 6-digit HUID Code

Unique identification for traceability

📱 BIS Care App: Consumers can verify any jewellery's authenticity through the BIS Care App by entering the HUID number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Hallmarking and Assaying?

Assaying tests metal purity, while hallmarking certifies and marks it officially under BIS standards.

Can hallmark registration be transferred if ownership changes?

No, a new owner must apply for fresh registration under their business credentials.

How long does hallmark registration remain valid?

The license is valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry.

What is HUID and why is it mandatory?

HUID is a unique 6-digit code that identifies each hallmarked jewellery piece. It enhances traceability and transparency.

Can Mundra Legal handle registration and renewal both?

Yes. We offer end-to-end services — from initial filing to annual renewals and compliance management.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Penalties include fines, license suspension, or criminal action under the BIS Act, 2016.

Why Choose Mundra Legal for Hallmark Registration?

                        ✅ End-to-End Legal Support: From application to certification
👨‍⚖️ Experienced Compliance Experts: Well-versed in BIS norms
⚡ Fast & Hassle-Free Process: We handle all documentation and communication
💰 Affordable Legal Packages: Transparent pricing without hidden charges
🇮🇳 PAN-India Assistance: Support available for jewellers across India
🔄 Renewal & Audit Assistance: Ongoing support to maintain compliance

                    

Ready to get your BIS Hallmark Registration? Contact Mundra Legal Consultants today for expert guidance and seamless compliance. Fill the form on the right or call us directly!