Hallmark Certification for Gold & Silver in India

What is Hallmark Certification?

Hallmark Certification is a quality certification for gold and silver jewelry, ensuring that the metal meets the purity standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It guarantees that the jewelry meets the required fineness and purity as per Indian and international standards.

📌 Issued By: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Government of India
📌 Regulated By: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India
📌 Purpose: Ensures gold & silver products meet purity standards and prevents fraud in jewelry sales.

Who Needs Hallmark Certification?

✅ Jewelry Manufacturers – To sell BIS-certified gold and silver jewelry.
✅ Retailers & Showrooms – To provide hallmark-certified products to customers.
✅ Exporters of Gold & Silver Jewelry – Required for international trade.
✅ Importers & Traders of Precious Metals – To meet BIS and international quality standards.
✅ Consumers – Ensures they purchase genuine, high-purity gold/silver jewelry.

Products Requiring Hallmark Certification

🔹 Gold Jewelry & Articles – Rings, necklaces, bangles, coins, and artifacts.
🔹 Silver Jewelry & Articles – Utensils, idols, decorative items.
🔹 Gold & Silver Bullion – Bars and coins.

(Check BIS website: www.bis.gov.in for full details.)

Purity Standards in Hallmark Certification

💠 Gold Jewelry & Articles – Hallmarked in 6 Purity Grades:

• 24K (999) – Purest gold, mostly for investment.

• 22K (916) – Common for jewelry in India.

• 20K (833) – Traditional jewelry & coins.

• 18K (750) – Used in studded jewelry.

• 14K (585) – Budget-friendly gold jewelry.

• 9K (375) – Used in low-cost jewelry.

💠 Silver Jewelry & Articles – Hallmarked in 6 Purity Grades:

• 999 (99.9% Silver) – Pure silver, mostly for investment.

• 970 (97% Silver) – High-purity jewelry.

• 925 (92.5% Silver) – Sterling silver jewelry.

• 900 (90% Silver) – Traditional silverware.

• 835 (83.5% Silver) – Common in silver artifacts.

• 800 (80% Silver) – Used for utensils & coins.

Benefits of Hallmark Certification

✅ Guarantees Purity & Authenticity of Gold & Silver
✅ Prevents Fraud & Ensures Fair Pricing
✅ Mandatory for Gold Jewelry Sales in India
✅ Increases Consumer Trust & Business Credibility
✅ Required for Exporting Gold & Silver Products

How to Obtain Hallmark Certification?

📌 Apply via the BIS Hallmarking Portal: www.manakonline.in

Application Process

1️⃣ Jeweler Registration with BIS – Retailers and manufacturers must register with BIS.
2️⃣ Submit Application & Required Documents – Business registration, address proof, and jewelry details.
3️⃣ Approval & Inspection by BIS Officials – Factory or showroom inspection (if required).
4️⃣ Testing & Hallmarking at a BIS-Approved Hallmarking Center – Jewelry is tested for purity.
5️⃣ Certification Issuance & Hallmarking Authorization – If approved, BIS issues the license.

Documents Required for Hallmark Certification

📜 Company Registration Certificate & GST Details – Business proof.
📜 Jewelry Product Details & Purity Reports – Fineness level of gold/silver products.
📜 Test Reports from a BIS-Approved Hallmarking Center – Purity analysis.
📜 Address Proof of Retailer/Manufacturer – Shop or factory location.
📜 Authorization Letter (if applicable) – For third-party agents applying on behalf of businesses.

Why is Hallmark Certification Important for Import & Export?

✅ Mandatory for Gold Jewelry Sales in India Since June 2021
✅ Required for Exporting Gold & Silver Jewelry Internationally
✅ Prevents Customs Issues & Trade Restrictions
✅ Boosts International Market Credibility & Buyer Trust
✅ Ensures Compliance with Global Jewelry Standards