Centre planning hallmarking of gold bullion mandatory, says BIS

To protect consumers and enhance their confidence in hallmarked gold jewellery, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has prohibited — from April 1 — their sale and also that of gold artefacts without a six-digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID). 

BIS also plans to bring gold bullion under mandatory hallmarking. Draft guidelines have already been prepared. It formed an advisory group last month and post group's consideration, guidelines will be issued. It has begun consultations with stakeholders including industry representatives and jewellers. 

To date, old hallmarked jewellery with four marks without the HUID is permitted to be sold.

Hallmarking