According to the report, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued guidelines for six grades of silver jewellery—900, 800, 835, 925, 970, and 990 purity levels—to be hallmarked with a unique 6-digit Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID).
This new system aims to replace the older hallmarking methods currently in use.
The government had previously made gold hallmarking mandatory in 2021. With the introduction of silver hallmarking, consumers and jewellers can expect enhanced assurance regarding the purity and authenticity of silver jewellery.What is hallmarking?
Hallmarking is the official process of determining and recording the proportionate content of precious metals in jewellery. In India, the BIS Hallmarking Scheme ensures that silver jewelry meets legal standards of purity.
The hallmark serves as a guarantee of the metal’s authenticity and quality.
What will change?
- Voluntary implementation: From September 1, silver jewellery hallmarking will be voluntary, similar to the earlier voluntary implementation for gold.
- Purity grades: The BIS has specified six purity grades for silver jewellery: 900, 800, 835, 925, 970, and 990.
- Hallmarking process: Each piece will receive a 6-digit HUID, indicating its authenticity and purity.
- Consumer protection: Consumers can verify the authenticity of hallmarked jewellery using the BIS Care App’s ‘Verify HUID’ feature.
This move is expected to protect customers from fake or adulterated silver products, which are more likely to be found in items lacking the hallmark.
