BIS Hallmarking Certification overview: For years, the Indian jewellery market has followed a model of trust-based relationship between the "family jeweller" and his customer. The Government of India, through the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), has taken the jewellery industry by storm with Mandatory Hallmarking.
As of March 2, 2026, mandatory hallmarking has been implemented across 380 districts in India. As a stakeholder in the gold and silver industry, it is not enough to know if you are subject to this new regulation; you must understand it. Hallmarking of 9K gold (375 fineness, 37.5 per cent pure) was made mandatory from July 1, 2025. In doing so, it was extended to cheap gold articles, such as fashion items and children's jewellery, which had previously been outside the mandatory grade.
The list of mandatory districts has been increased multiple times, up to 2026. In the latest amendment, which came into effect on August 3, 2026, under the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts (Third Amendment) Order, 2026, the mandatory list of districts was increased from 380 to 392, adding 12 more districts. It is now illegal to sell any non-hallmarked gold jewellery in all 392 districts; jewellery shops must be BIS-registered, and HUIDs must be marked on all items sold.
What Is Hallmarking and Why It Matters in 2026
Hallmarking is a BIS-certified process that authenticates the fineness of gold and silver jewellery and items. BIS introduced gold hallmarking in April 2000 as per IS 1417/1418 standards, but it was voluntary till June 2021. This was the year when hallmarking of 14K, 18K, and 22K gold became mandatory. However, since then, its scope has been continuously increasing not only in terms of fineness levels but also in the number of districts where hallmarking of gold jewellery is mandatory.
Is Gold Hallmarking Mandatory in India in 2026?
Yes. Hallmarking of gold is still required in India in 2026 for gold jewellery and gold artefacts under the scope of the Mandatory Hallmarking Order, with certain exceptions. During 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been developing and amending the mandatory hallmarking system. At present, its official web page lists amendments dated 2 March 2026, 28 April 2026, and 3 August 2026.
This requirement is especially significant for jewellers operating in districts covered by the mandatory hallmarking system. As stated by BIS, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers dealing in hallmarked precious metal products are required to register with BIS.
Is Silver Hallmarking Mandatory in India?
The BIS hallmarking Registration Certificate applies to silver hallmarking in India; however, clarification is needed on silver hallmarking and the HUID-based silver hallmarking of 2026. BIS states that both gold and silver are currently under the hallmarking system. The crucial element for 2026 is that IS 2112:2025 has enabled voluntary HUID-based hallmarking of silver jewellery and articles from 1st September 2025. It will, therefore, be incorrect to claim that HUID-based silver hallmarking became mandatory in 2026.
The HUID-based silver hallmarking has been introduced voluntarily from 1st September 2025. Businesses should, therefore, not regard the HUID for silver as universally mandatory simply because the HUID is used for gold.
What Is HUID and How Does It Work for Gold and Silver?
HUID means Hallmarking Unique Identification Number. HUID is a six-digit unique alphanumeric code that identifies a hallmarked precious metal article. With the HUID number, consumers can track and validate details about hallmarked jewellery using the “Verify HUID” option in the BIS CARE App.
For hallmarked gold jewellery, HUID use began on 1st July 2021. The hallmark on gold jewellery consists of three main parts: the BIS standard mark, the fineness or purity of the gold, and the six-digit HUID number.
Who Can Comply with the 2026 Hallmarking Rules?
BIS Hallmarking Regulations for 2026 apply primarily to companies that manufacture and sell hallmarked gold and silver jewellery or artefacts. According to BIS, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers that sell hallmarked precious metal items must be registered with BIS.
- Manufacturers of Gold and Silver Jewellery
- Wholesalers and Distributors
- Retail Jewellers
- Small Jewellers Having Turnover Up to ₹40 Lakh
- Jewellers from Compulsory Hallmarking Districts
- Companies Selling Hallmarked Silver
How to Get BIS Hallmarking Compliant: Step-by-Step
The BIS Jewellers Registration Scheme was modified in July 2026; therefore, businesses are advised to follow the latest registration procedure rather than the previous one.
Step 1: Create your Jeweller Account through the NSWS Portal or the BIS Manak Online Portal using your verified email and mobile number.
Step 2: Submit your GST certificate, PAN card, rent/lease deed and showcase pictures through the dashboard.
Step 3: Register by paying the registration fee online to receive an instant BIS Jeweller Certificate valid for life.
Step 4: Send your jewellery to a certified Assaying and Hallmarking Centre to have a 6-digit alphanumeric HUID laser-etched onto it.
Step 5: Place the BIS logo, purity mark and HUID on all your jewellery items.
Note: HUID on invoices is not mandatory as of now, according to the official BIS FAQs.
Common Hallmarking Compliance Mistakes to Avoid
Compliance with hallmarking is not just about taking a piece of jewellery to have it tested and marked. Jewellers must meet BIS registration, hallmarking, HUID, documentation, display, and other requirements. By 2026, out-of-date data may already become a compliance issue as BIS has amended and updated jeweller guidelines. The following are some of the common pitfalls that businesses must avoid:
1. Selling Applicable Gold Jewellery without Proper Hallmarking
2. Thinking That All Small Jewellers Are Exempted by Default
3. Thinking That HUID is Similar to BIS Registration
4. Thinking That Requirements for Gold and Silver Are the Same
5. Using an Unauthorised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre
Conclusion
The hallmarks of gold and silver vary greatly in 2026: gold hallmarks are mandatory, and district coverage is increasing, while silver hallmarks are voluntary and set to become mandatory in the near future. Your eligibility to follow either path would be governed by these three considerations: Are you selling gold or silver? Is your district eligible for mandatory gold hallmarks? If you are selling silver, are you voluntarily hallmarking?
Since the list of districts and the HUID criteria may change over time, ongoing compliance is more important than one-time compliance. At ERCS Private Limited, we assist with the complete hallmark registration journey and provide the best services.
FAQs About Gold & Silver Hallmarking
Q1. Is hallmarking of silver mandatory in India in 2026?
Ans. No, it’s not mandatory; it's voluntary. The only mandatory mark is HUID; however, it applies only to pieces of silver hallmarked by jewellers since September 2025.
Q2. In which districts is mandatory hallmarking of gold currently required?
Ans. In 392 districts, according to the amendment of August 2026. The list changes frequently, so it’s always best to check the BIS website.
Q3. Is 9K gold subject to mandatory hallmarking?
Ans. Yes, since July 1, 2025, along with 14K, 18K, and 22K gold, which became mandatory to hallmark in June 2021.
Q4. What is HUID, and is it mandatory for silver?
Ans. HUID is a unique number used for hallmarked pieces. It’s mandatory for gold in covered districts, and for silver only if it is hallmarked.
