Hallmarking Certification in India: Complete Guide for Purity of Jewellery

Hallmarking certification ensures purity, trust, and legal compliance in the jewellery trade.
Hallmarking registration is mandatory for jewellers in India under BIS rules.
The steps, paperwork, costs, and advantages of hallmarking are described in this guide.

Introduction

Last winter, a client from Coimbatore—an old family jeweller—called me in panic. A customer had returned a gold chain after testing its purity elsewhere. Though the chain was genuine, the missing Hallmarking Certification raised suspicion. “Sir, people don’t trust without hallmark these days,” he admitted.

This scenario is now common across India. Because of increased consumer awareness, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has mandated that all jewelers who sell gold register for hallmarking. Whether you are a neighbourhood jeweller in Chennai or a premium brand like Tanishq, hallmarking is no longer optional—it’s the very foundation of credibility.

What is Hallmarking Certification?

Hallmarking certification is the official BIS stamp of purity on gold, silver, and platinum jewellery. It assures buyers that the metal content meets declared standards.

Think of it as an Aadhaar card for jewellery. Just like Aadhaar builds identity trust, hallmarking builds purity trust.

Hallmarking covers:

Purity grade (like 22K, 18K, 14K for gold)
BIS logo
Jeweller’s unique identification number
Assaying and Hallmarking Centre mark

Why is Hallmarking Certification Important?

Customer Trust: Buyers now ask, “Is it hallmarked?” before even checking design.
Legal Compliance: Since June 2021, hallmarking is mandatory in select districts and expanding nationwide.
Global Benchmark: Indian brands highlight hallmarking in marketing to compete internationally.
Protection from disputes: If purity mismatch arises, hallmark is legal evidence.

“In India, hallmarking is no longer an add-on feature—it’s the entry ticket to the jewellery market.”

Hallmarking Registration Process for Jewellers

Getting Hallmarking Registration under BIS is a structured, online process. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Apply Online at BIS Portal

Visit www. → Registration → Jewellers Registration Scheme
Fill the jeweller registration form

Step 2: Submit Documents

Proof of business ownership (GST, Shop Act licence)
ID proof of proprietor/partner/director
Address proof of business premises

Step 3: Approval & Grant of Registration Number

Once verified, BIS issues a unique BIS ID for your jewellery outlet

Step 4: Submit Jewellery for Hallmarking

Send articles to authorised Assaying & Hallmarking Centre
Pay hallmarking charges per piece

Why Hallmarking Matters?

Imagine buying bottled water. You always look for an ISI or FSSAI mark. Without it, you’d doubt the safety. Jewellery is even more personal—people save years to buy gold. That’s why hallmarking is like the ISI mark for jewellery.

Documents Required for Hallmarking Registration

Business registration certificate (GST, Shops & Establishments Act)
Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN of owner/partner)
Address proof of outlet (electricity bill, rent agreement)
Partnership deed or company incorporation certificate (if applicable)

Benefits of Hallmarking Certification for Jewellers

Competitive Edge: Customers choose hallmark jewellers over others.
Marketing Advantage: You can promote as “BIS Certified Jeweller.”
Reduced Customer Disputes: Legal backing for purity assurance.
Export Facilitation: BIS hallmark aligns with international standards.

Common Challenges Faced by Jewellers

Awareness Gap: Many small-town jewellers think hallmarking is “optional.”
Logistics: Remote jewellers struggle to access hallmarking centres.
Fear of Costs: Some avoid registration assuming it’s expensive (in reality, it’s affordable).

When we counselled a client in Nagpur, he realised hallmarking was cheaper than weekly Facebook ads he was running. Yet, hallmarking gave him more conversions than marketing spend.

Conclusion:

In today’s Indian jewellery market, Hallmarking Certification is not just a regulatory requirement but a customer expectation. Jewelers safeguard their company, clients, and reputation by registering as a hallmark.

If you’re a jeweller still debating whether to register, think of it this way: hallmarking is like putting your shop’s reputation in writing. Without it, you are invisible in a trust-driven industry.

Why Choose Diligence Certifications?

Diligence Certifications offers a seamless approach to Hallmarking Registration, guiding businesses through every step of the BIS compliance process. We make sure approvals go smoothly and on time, from paperwork to communicating with authorized centers. Our clients appreciate our knowledge, openness, and helpful assistance, which fosters customer trust and simplifies operations. Diligence makes hallmarking easy, dependable, and stress-free.