Progress in hallmarking sluggish in India: WGC

Progress in hallmarking of jewellery has been slow in India as the laws are not yet in place, according to World Gold Council (India) Managing Director Ajay Mitra.

"The progress is slow as the amendment is still pending in the Parliament. We are in a dialogue with the Bureau of Indian Standards and jewellery associations to try and address concerns that they have put forward to the ministry of consumer affairs," said Mitra.

Mitra was speaking on the sidelines of a D'damas' function. Across the country, there are over 70,000 gems and jewellery traders, who had threatened to shut shop if the government does not amend the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Hallmarking Act before it is made mandatory in the four metros from January 1.

"The issue is still pending. We have put forward our concerns to the ministry of consumer affairs," said Haresh Soni, director, Gems and Jewellery Federation, the national body of jewellery trade in the country.

He added there was no major progress on this issue.

"The government's move to introduce licensing of jewellery as part of the BIS Hallmarking Act has led traders to fear that the law could be similar to the Gold Control Act, which hampered gold trade for 20 years," Soni said.

The jewellers' body has asked central government to provide them with proper infrastructure before implementing the act across the nation.

"There are only 25 hallmarking centres in the four metros against an estimated requirement of 500 centres," said Zaveribhai Mandalia, director, GIF.

Mandalia added that 3,000 more hallmarking centres are required.