BIS Hallmarking is the process of checking and certifying the purity of precious metals like gold and silver as per the standards set by Bureau of Indian Standards. It is a mark of trust and assurance for consumers and ensures that the jewellery they purchase meets specified standards of purity and fineness. 

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched the Gold Hallmarking Scheme in year 2000 to ensure purity and authenticity of gold jewellery in India. Later in 2005, the Silver Hallmarking Scheme was introduced for silver articles. Over the years hallmarking has become an essential trust factor for buyers. From 1 April 2023, the government made it mandatory for all gold jewellery to carry a 6-digit Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID). 

Once the testing is complete, a special mark called the “hallmark” or mark of quality is stamped on the jewellery. This mark tells buyers the exact purity and assures them the metal meets the required quality standards. The BIS Hallmark acts as a guarantee of quality and protects consumers from buying substandard or adulterated products. 

• Assurance of Purity - Prevents fraud and ensures gold is not adulterated. 

• Standardization - Uniform measurement of purity across the country. 

• Legal Compliance - As of June 2021, hallmarking is mandatory for most gold jewellery in India. 

• Resale Value - BIS hallmarked jewellery has higher trust in resale markets. 

• International Recognition - BIS standards align with global norms helping in exports. 

The popularity of hallmark types depends on customer trust, affordability and traditional preference. Based on demand, here are the three most sought after BIS hallmarks. 

BIS Hallmark 916 (22K - 91.6% Purity)

• Karat: 22K
• Purity 91.6% 
• Notes: Most trusted, widely used

BIS hallmark 916 is the most popular hallmark for gold jewellery in India. The number “916” means the gold is 91.6% pure with the remaining 8.4% being alloy metals like copper or silver to give strength. 22K or BIS 916 hallmarked gold strikes a balance between high gold content and the durability needed for jewellery. It is the preferred choice for wedding jewellery and heavy ornaments due to its balance of purity and durability. Most Indian families prefer 22K for its traditional value and purity. 

BIS Hallmark 9K (BIS 375)

• Karat: 9K
• Purity 37.5% 
• Notes: Newer, gaining popularity for affordability

BIS Hallmark 9K jewellery contains only 37.5% gold with rest 62.5% being other metals like copper, zinc, or silver. It is much cheaper than higher karat options making it budget-friendly for everyday wear. Jewellery with this hallmark is affordable to 18K or 22K and is durable due to higher alloy content. 9K gold contains the lowest percentage of pure gold among the hallmarking categories. 

Other Hallmarks (18K, 21K, 23K)

• Karat: 18K, 21K, 23K
• Purity Varies (18K = 75%, 21K = 87.5%, 23K = 95.8%)
• Notes: Available but less common

These hallmark types are chosen for specific purposes. For example, 18K is popular in diamond jewellery because it provides a strong setting for stones, 21K is common in Middle Eastern styles while 23K is used in high-end, delicate gold pieces. 

Getting a BIS hallmark licence involves a several steps:

• Collect all necessary documents. Make sure you have every required paper ready before starting. 
• Apply for jewellery hallmarking through the BIS portal and fill up the online application.
• Submit the application, documents and pay the fees. 
• A BIS inspector will visit your store or facility to check if you meet all the guidelines. 
• If everything is in order, BIS will issue a Hallmark Registration Certificate which will be emailed to you. 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set Hallmark License Fees known as Registration Fees for obtaining and maintaining a hallmark license for jewellers in India. 

1. Application fee

A one-time non-refundable application fee of Rs 2,000 is required for new applications or renewals of a BIS hallmark license.

2. Registration or Renewal Fee

This fee depends on the business's annual turnover in the previous financial year and is payable either annually or as a lump sum for three years. 

• Up to Rs 5 crore turnover: Rs 7,500

• Rs 5 crore to Rs 25 crore turnover: Rs 15,000

• Rs 25 crore to Rs 100 crore turnover: Rs 40,000

• Above Rs 100 crore turnover: Rs 80,000

A valid BIS hallmark on gold jewelry consists of five marks: 

BIS Logo: A triangular mark indicating certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Purity Grade: This indicates the fineness number and corresponds to the carat value of the gold (e.g., 22K for 91.6% purity is marked as 916).

Assaying and Hallmarking Centre's Identification Mark/Number: The logo or unique code of the BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC) where the jewelry was tested and certified.

Jeweller's Identification Mark/Number: The unique logo or registered number of the BIS-certified jeweler who sold the piece.

Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID): A unique 6-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each piece of jewelry during the hallmarking process. It provides traceability and helps buyers verify their jewellery’s details, purity and origin through BIS online verification tools. This was made mandatory from April 1, 2023.

Buying hallmarked gold comes with multiple benefits for both buyers and sellers.

• Guaranteed Purity - Hallmarking gives buyers confidence that the gold is exactly as pure as claimed, removing doubts about its quality.

• Better Resale and Exchange Value - Since hallmarked gold follows standard purity levels it maintains price parity across markets. This means you will get fair value when reselling or exchanging. 

• Legal Protection for Buyers - Hallmarked jewellery protects customers from fraud or misrepresentation as it is certified by BIS. 

• Trust and Business Growth for Sellers - By selling hallmarked jewellery leads to repeat purchases and long-term business success. 

In short, hallmarking protects the buyer’s investments and strengthens the seller’s reputation creating a win-win situation for both.