In India, gold is more than just a precious metal—it’s a part of our traditions, festivals, weddings, and financial planning. Whether you’re gifting jewellery, investing in gold coins, or purchasing for personal use, one factor you should never ignore is purity.
With rising gold prices, ensuring the authenticity of your purchase is more important than ever. That’s where gold hallmarking comes in.
In this blog, you’ll learn exactly how to check a gold hallmark in India, how to verify its authenticity using the BIS Care app, and how to avoid falling for fake or substandard gold.
What is a Gold Hallmark?
A hallmark is an official certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that confirms the purity of gold jewellery or artefacts. It’s a guarantee from the government that your gold item contains the amount of gold it claims.
Since June 2021, hallmarking has become mandatory in over 350 districts of India. This means most jewellers are now legally required to sell only BIS-hallmarked gold items.
Why Is Hallmarking Important?
Many customers are unaware that even small differences in gold purity can lead to huge losses—especially when reselling or exchanging jewellery. Hallmarking protects buyers from:
- Purchasing low-purity or mixed metal items
- Overpaying for gold that isn’t pure
- Difficulties during resale or exchange
- Fake claims made by unlicensed jewellers
With hallmarking, you’re assured of quality, transparency, and legal recourse if anything goes wrong.
How to Identify a Hallmark on Gold Jewellery
Every BIS-hallmarked gold item comes with four important markings:
1. BIS Standard Mark
This is the official BIS logo—a triangle with a dot inside. It confirms that the product has been tested and certified in a BIS-authorised laboratory.
2. Purity in Carat and Fineness
Gold purity is mentioned in both carats and fineness:
- 22K = 916 (91.6% pure)
- 18K = 750 (75.0% pure)
- 14K = 585 (58.5% pure)
The number (e.g., 916) represents the purity in parts per thousand.
3. HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification)
A unique 6-digit alphanumeric code laser-marked on each gold item. This number is linked to the specific piece and helps in verifying its details online.
4. Jeweller’s BIS Registration Number
This code identifies the jeweller who manufactured or sold the item. It ensures that the seller is registered and approved by BIS.
How to Verify Gold Hallmark Using BIS Care App
The easiest and most reliable way to check gold hallmark authenticity is through the official BIS Care App. Here’s how:
- Download the BIS Care app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open the app and click on “Verify HUID.”
- Enter the 6-digit HUID code marked on the jewellery.
- You’ll instantly see the product’s purity, weight, jeweller’s name, and certification status.
The app also allows users to file complaints if they suspect a fake hallmark or unregistered jeweller.
Tips to Follow While Buying Gold
- Always buy gold from BIS-certifition jewellers.
- Check all four hallmark signs on the jewellery.
- Use the BIS Care app to verify the HUID code.
- Ask for a tax invoice and purity certificate.
- Don’t fall for gold items sold without hallmarking or at unusually low prices.
Final Thoughts
With increasing awareness and legal enforcement, hallmarking has become a must for every gold buyer in India. It’s not just a stamp—it’s a guarantee of quality, purity, and your financial safety.
Now that you know how to check gold hallmark in India, make sure you never buy jewellery without verifying it first. A few extra minutes can help you avoid fraud, ensure fair value, and make your investment truly secure BIS-licensed jeweller?.
Looking to get BIS certification for gold jewellery or become a BIS-licensed jeweller?
Get in touch with ELT corporate — your trusted partner in BIS registration and compliance services across India.
