Govt working on scheme for mandatory hallmarking of silver jewellery

After mandatory hallmarking for Gold jewellery, the government is working on a scheme for mandatory hallmarking of silver jewellery. While hallmarking for silver jewellery continues to be voluntary, the Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said that there’s a demand by several stakeholders to mandate the same. Having met such stakeholders from different states, the Minister said that mandatory gold hallmarking has reduced losses for customers in line with PM Modi’s aim to reduce any losses for all sections of the society which buy gold as part of customs and traditions in India.

Last month, government sources had told CNBC TV18 that a scheme for mandatory hallmarking for silver was currently under consideration and several issues in terms of implementation were being worked out. Among other issues, durability of HUIDs (Hallmark Unique Identification) had been identified as a concern to be worked upon. Unlike the durability of HUID on gold’s surface, an embossed HUID on silver’s surface may corrode on reacting with the atmosphere and lose its distinct mark with time. The government is looking at ways to keep HUID on silver’s surface inert from the atmosphere to make it a reality.
HUID is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code given to every piece of jewellery at the time of hallmarking, with the initiative aimed at increasing the credibility of jewellery for consumers. HUID has been a legal mandate for gold jewellery being sold in India since 1st April 2023. In December 2024, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare had told CNBC TV18 that the government was considering a proposal to mandate hallmarking of Gold bullion as part of quality assurance for greater acceptability across India. Stating that Indian women need the blessings of a quality mark in jewellery to not feel cheated while buying, she said that the 6-digit HUID number has increased its credibility in the eyes of consumers.