Gold Hallmarking Rules in India
Gold hallmarking is mandatory across most of India, with a six-digit HUID required on every hallmarked article. Here is what jewellers and buyers need to know — the current status, the IS 1417 grades, exemptions, and penalties.
Current status
Mandatory gold hallmarking began in June 2021 and has expanded in phases to cover most districts across India.
Since April 2023, only gold jewellery carrying a six-digit HUID may be sold by registered jewellers. The earlier hallmarking format without HUID is no longer valid for new hallmarking.
Hallmarking is carried out through BIS-authorized assaying and hallmarking centres, which test purity and assign the HUID recorded in the BIS database.
At a Glance
Recognized karat grades
IS 1417 defines the fineness grades of gold recognized for hallmarking in India. Each grade states the parts of pure gold per thousand — for example, 916 means 91.6% pure gold.
For a full comparison of what each karat means and where it is used, see the gold karat guide.
IS 1417 fineness grades
What is exempt
Some articles are outside the mandatory hallmarking requirement. Exemptions can change, so confirm current government notifications.
Gold jewellery weighing less than 2 grams per article
Articles for export and re-import as per trade policy
Jewellery for medical, dental, veterinary, scientific or industrial use
Certain thread, kada, and special items notified by the government
Watches, fountain pens, and special-purpose articles
This summary is based on publicly available BIS and government information and is not legal advice. Rules, phases, and exemptions change; confirm the current position with BIS before relying on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about gold hallmarking rules, HUID, and compliance.
Yes. Mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery began in June 2021 and has expanded in phases to cover most districts nationwide. BIS-registered jewellers may only sell hallmarked gold jewellery carrying a six-digit HUID.
Yes. Since April 2023, only gold jewellery hallmarked with the six-digit alphanumeric HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) is permitted. The older hallmarking format without HUID is no longer valid for new hallmarking.
Under IS 1417, the recognized fineness grades include 14K (585), 18K (750), 20K (833), 22K (916), 23K (958), and 24K (995), with 9K (375) added by amendment. 22K is the most common for Indian jewellery.
Exemptions include jewellery under 2 grams per article, items for export, jewellery for medical or industrial use, and certain government-notified special items. Exemptions can change, so confirm current notifications with BIS.
Under the BIS Act 2016, selling non-hallmarked gold jewellery by a registered jeweller can attract a fine of up to five times the value of the articles and imprisonment of up to one year. BIS conducts enforcement checks.
Mandatory hallmarking currently applies to gold jewellery and artefacts. Gold coins and bars follow separate purity-marking practices, though many refiners and mints certify them to 995 or 999 fineness.
Need BIS-compliant gold hallmarking?
Varsha Bullion Hallmarking Centres provides BIS-compliant gold hallmarking with HUID at two Mumbai centres.