Govt finalising jewellery hallmark rule; refineries to self-certify

Industry protests, says self-certification without external intervention can be risky, prone to misuse

The central government is finalising the rules on compulsory hallmarking of jewellery, with hallmarking centres certifying 14-, 18- and 22-carat jewellery. For coins and bars, self-certification by refineries will be permitted.

The industry has already started voicing its opinion against several proposals. India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) has said: "Self-certification of coins by refineries contravenes the basic purpose of a certifying agency. Self-certification without any third-party intervention can be risky and refiners can misuse it."

Surendra Mehta, national secretary, IBJA, says: "Coins from 0.1 gram to 100 grams must be hallmarked by approved centres."

Sources say the government is allowing refineries to