From 01 September 2025, India introduced Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID)-based hallmarking for silver jewellery and articles on a voluntary basis. The initiative aims to strengthen consumer protection by ensuring purity, traceability, and transparency in silver trade.
Background
- 2005: BIS introduced voluntary silver hallmarking.
- Standard Reference: IS 2112 (Silver Jewellery Hallmarking Standard).
- Earlier Version: IS 2112:2014 – 6 purity grades; 4 components in hallmark.
- Revised Version: IS 2112:2025 – introduces HUID-based hallmarking aligned with gold hallmarking.
- Consultation: BIS held stakeholder meet on 07 Aug 2025 with 80+ jewellers, AHCs, and consumers.
Key Highlights of IS 2112:2025
Hallmark Components (new system):
- BIS Standard Mark with word “SILVER”
- Purity Grade/Fineness
- HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) Code
Purity Grades:
- Earlier (IS 2112:2014): 800, 835, 900, 925, 970, 990
- Revised (IS 2112:2025): 800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990, 999
- Newly Added: 958, 999
Traceability via BIS Care App
Consumers can check:
- Article type
- Purity grade/fineness
- Date of hallmarking (first sale)
- Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (AHC) details (recognition no., name, address)
- Jeweller’s Registration Number
Infrastructure:
- 230 Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) across 87 districts.
- 32 lakh silver articles hallmarked in FY 2024–25.
Benefits to Consumers:
- Guaranteed purity & protection against malpractice.
- Digital verification of jewellery through BIS Care App.
- Increased confidence & transparency in silver trade.
What is Hallmarking?
- Definition: Accurate determination and official recording of precious metal content in jewellery/artefacts.
- Indian Standard: IS 15820.
- Authority: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- Purpose: Guarantees purity, protects consumers, promotes fair trade.
HUID system:
- A six-digit alphanumeric code is issued for every hallmarked jewellery item.
- It ensures traceability, transparency, and prevents malpractices in the sale of precious metals.
- Already mandatory for gold jewellery hallmarking since June 2021.
Steps to Verify Silver Purity (Post 01 Sept 2025)
- Locate 6-digit alphanumeric HUID number engraved on jewellery.
- Download and register on BIS Care App.
- Enter HUID → access complete jewellery details.
Significance
- Strengthens consumer rights and builds trust in silver trade.
- Aligns silver hallmarking with gold hallmarking system.
- Enhances India’s standardization framework for precious metals.
- Promotes digital traceability, discourages malpractices in silver market.
Key Facts
- Hallmarking in India: Supervised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards): Established 1986, HQ – New Delhi, Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
- Gold Hallmarking: Mandatory from June 2021 in phased manner across districts.
- International Practice: Hallmarking of precious metals is an established consumer protection mechanism worldwide.
- Purity Measurement: Silver and gold purity is expressed in fineness (parts per 1000). Example: 925 means 92.5% pure silver.