What the three marks on hallmarked gold mean, how to check a HUID number on the BIS Care app, and what to do if something doesn't match.
A hallmark is an official stamp that says how pure a piece of gold is. In India, hallmarking is done by testing centres recognised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Hallmarking of gold jewellery has been compulsory in a growing list of districts since June 2021, and since April 2023 hallmarked jewellery must carry a 6-character HUID. It is the simplest protection you have against paying 22K prices for lower-purity gold.
The three marks to look for
Look closely (a phone camera zoom works well) at the clasp, the inside of a ring or the hook of an earring. You should find:
- The BIS logo: a small triangle-shaped standard mark.
- The purity grade: carat and fineness together, for example 22K916 (22 carat, 91.6% gold) or 18K750.
- The HUID: a 6-character code of letters and numbers, such as AB12C3. HUID stands for Hallmark Unique Identification. Every hallmarked piece gets its own.
Older jewellery may carry an older style of hallmark, with the hallmarking centre's mark and the jeweller's mark instead of a HUID. That is still valid for items hallmarked before the HUID rules.
How to check a HUID on your phone
- Install the BIS Care app (made by the Bureau of Indian Standards) from the Play Store or App Store.
- Open "Verify HUID" and type the 6-character code from the jewellery.
- The app shows the jeweller's registration, the type of item (ring, chain, bangle…), its purity and the hallmarking centre that tested it.
- Check that these details match what you are buying. A chain should not show up as "ring", and 22K jewellery should not show 18K.
What is not covered
- Items weighing less than 2 grams do not need a hallmark.
- Kundan, Polki and Jadau jewellery, and items made for export, are also exempt.
- The rules apply in the districts named in the government's hallmarking order. The list has grown in phases since 2021, and BIS publishes it on its website.
- Gold coins and bars from banks and refiners carry their own purity marks and certificates; check the packaging.
If the item you are buying is not hallmarked, ask the shop why, and get the purity written clearly on the bill.
What to do if something doesn't match
- Ask the shop to explain or replace the item before you pay.
- You can take jewellery to a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC) to have its purity tested. BIS lists the fee as ₹200 for up to four items and ₹45 per item for five or more; check the current fee at the centre.
- Complaints can be made to BIS through the same BIS Care app.
Why the hallmark matters when you sell
Hallmarked gold is easier to sell or exchange because the buyer can trust the purity without long testing. Many shops give a better rate for hallmarked old gold than for unmarked pieces. Read more in selling or exchanging old gold.
Key points
- Look for the BIS mark, the purity grade (like 22K916) and a 6-character HUID.
- Check the HUID on the BIS Care app before paying.
- Make sure the bill shows the HUID and purity of each item.
Common questions
Does my old jewellery need a hallmark?
No. The hallmarking rules apply to jewellers selling jewellery. You can keep, wear, sell or exchange old unmarked jewellery. When you sell it, the shop will simply test the purity.
Can I get my old jewellery tested?
Yes. A BIS-recognised hallmarking centre can test its purity for a fee and give you a report. Hallmarking itself is normally done through registered jewellers.
Does a hallmark make jewellery more expensive?
The hallmarking fee per piece is small and is usually built into the shop's price. It is worth far more than it costs, because it protects the purity you pay for.
This guide is general information for buyers. Rules and tax rates can change; check with your jeweller, bank or a qualified adviser before big decisions.