Hallmark certification is a process by which precious metal articles like gold and silver are certified for their purity by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India. The certification assures consumers of the purity and quality of the metal articles they purchase. Here's all you need to know about Hallmark registration:

1. **Purpose**: The primary purpose of Hallmark certification is to protect consumers from fraud and ensure the quality and purity of precious metal articles like gold and silver. It provides assurance regarding the fineness or purity of the metal, which is essential for consumers, especially in the context of jewelry purchases.

2. **Regulatory Authority**: The Hallmarking Scheme in India is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is a national standards body under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. BIS is responsible for setting standards for various products and ensuring their compliance through certification.

3. **Types of Hallmark**: Hallmark certification involves the marking of precious metal articles with specific symbols or marks that denote their purity, fineness, and authenticity. The following are the key marks used in Hallmark certification:

   - BIS Mark: The BIS logo is embossed on the precious metal article, indicating that it has been tested and certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
   - Purity/Fineness Mark: This mark denotes the purity or fineness of the metal, expressed as a percentage of the total weight. For example, 916 for 22-carat gold (91.6% purity).
   - Assaying and Hallmarking Centre's Mark: This mark identifies the assaying and hallmarking center where the metal article was tested and certified.
   - Jeweler's Identification Mark: This mark identifies the jeweler or manufacturer who produced the metal article.
   - Year of Marking: This mark indicates the year in which the metal article was certified.

4. **Applicability**: Hallmark certification is mandatory for all gold and silver articles sold in India weighing more than a certain threshold. As of June 2021, the threshold for mandatory hallmarking is:

   - Gold jewelry and artifacts: 14 carats and above.
   - Silver jewelry and artifacts: 925 grade and above.

5. **Registration Process**: Jewelers and manufacturers of precious metal articles need to register with BIS to obtain authorization for hallmarking their products. The registration process involves:

   - Submission of the application form along with the required documents to BIS.
   - Inspection of the manufacturing premises and testing facilities by BIS officials.
   - Compliance with the prescribed standards and quality control procedures.
   - Issuance of registration certificate by BIS upon successful verification and approval.

6. **Compliance Requirements**: Registered jewelers and manufacturers must comply with the standards and guidelines prescribed by BIS for hallmarking precious metal articles. This includes maintaining accurate records, adhering to quality control procedures, and ensuring the purity and authenticity of the products.

7. **Consumer Benefits**: Hallmark certification provides several benefits to consumers, including:

   - Assurance of purity and quality: Hallmarked metal articles carry the assurance of purity and quality, enhancing consumer confidence and trust in the products.
   - Protection from fraud: Hallmark certification helps consumers avoid purchasing counterfeit or adulterated metal articles by providing a reliable means of verifying their authenticity.
   - Legal recourse: In case of any disputes or concerns regarding the purity or quality of the metal articles, consumers can seek legal recourse and remedies based on the hallmark certification.

Overall, Hallmark registration and certification play a crucial role in ensuring the purity, quality, and authenticity of precious metal articles like gold and silver, thereby protecting the interests of consumers and promoting trust and confidence in the jewelry market.

Hallmark Registration Fees