BIS Hallmarking Regulation Updates: What Changed in 2024–2025

The Bureau of Indian Standards has introduced several significant changes to India's hallmarking framework over the past year, affecting gold jewellers, silver dealers, and hallmarking centres alike.

Fourth Phase of Mandatory Gold Hallmarking

On 5 November 2024, BIS launched the fourth phase of mandatory hallmarking, extending coverage to additional districts and categories of gold articles. With this expansion, hallmarking is now effectively mandatory across all districts of India for gold jewellery sold by registered jewellers.

Since mandatory hallmarking began in June 2021, the number of BIS-registered jewellers has grown from roughly 34,600 to over 1,94,000 — a more than five-fold increase. Over 40 crore (400 million) gold jewellery items have been hallmarked with HUID codes.

9-Karat Gold Brought Under Scope

In July 2025, BIS brought 9-karat gold (375 fineness) under the scope of mandatory hallmarking. This was previously outside the mandatory framework and is relevant for lightweight fashion jewellery and export-oriented pieces.

Silver Hallmarking Goes Live

Perhaps the most anticipated development: on 1 September 2025, BIS launched voluntary HUID-based hallmarking for silver jewellery and silver articles under the revised standard IS 2112:2025. The new standard introduces seven purity grades — 800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990, and 999 — replacing the older IS 2112:2014.

Within just three months, over 17 lakh (1.7 million) silver articles were registered under the new system. Currently, 230 Assaying & Hallmarking Centres are recognized for silver testing across 87 districts. BIS Director General Pramod Kumar Tiwari has indicated that mandatory silver hallmarking may follow after a six-month evaluation period.

Growing Infrastructure

Over 1,060 Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) are now operational across all 36 states and union territories — a substantial increase from the pre-mandatory era. BIS continues to push for greater geographic coverage, especially in semi-urban and rural areas.

What This Means for Jewellers

Jewellers should ensure all gold articles carry valid HUID hallmarks before sale, stay updated on district-wise expansions, and begin preparing for silver hallmarking compliance. Working with an established, BIS-authorized hallmarking centre ensures seamless compliance with evolving regulations.