BIS Hallmark and HUID Explained
A valid BIS hallmark on gold jewellery sold in India has three parts: the BIS logo, the purity grade (such as 22K916) and a six-character alphanumeric HUID that identifies that single piece. Hallmarking became mandatory in phases from June 2021, and the HUID has been compulsory since 1 April 2023. You can check any HUID in the free BIS CARE app.
The three marks
| Mark | What it looks like | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| BIS standard mark | Triangle logo of the Bureau of Indian Standards | The article was tested at a BIS-recognised assaying and hallmarking centre |
| Purity grade | Karat and fineness, e.g. 22K916, 18K750, 14K585 | Minimum gold content in the alloy |
| HUID | Six characters, letters and numbers, e.g. AB12C3 | A unique ID linked to the piece's record: jeweller, centre, purity, article type |
The marks are laser-engraved and tiny, usually on the clasp, inside a bangle or ring, or on a hook. Ask the jeweller for a loupe; any genuine seller will show you.
How the rules came in
- Before 2021: hallmarking was voluntary. Hallmarked pieces from that era carry the BIS logo, fineness, the hallmarking centre's mark and the jeweller's mark, and sometimes a year letter. They are still valid.
- June 2021: hallmarking became mandatory for gold jewellery and artefacts sold by jewellers in 256 districts, with more districts added in later phases. The new system replaced the centre and jeweller marks with the HUID.
- 1 April 2023: jewellery without a six-digit HUID can no longer be sold by jewellers in covered districts, including stock carrying older hallmarks without HUID.
The requirement applies to sellers. You do not have to hallmark jewellery you already own, and jewellers can still buy or exchange old unhallmarked gold from customers.
Verifying a HUID in BIS CARE
- Install the BIS CARE app (Android or iOS), published by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- Choose "Verify HUID" and enter the six characters exactly as engraved.
- Check that the result matches the piece in your hand: article type (chain, ring, bangle), purity grade, and the jeweller's name and registration.
- If the code returns nothing or details do not match, do not complete the purchase until the jeweller explains. The app also lets you file a complaint.
A correct HUID confirms that a piece of that description was tested. It does not prove that the item in front of you is that piece, so buy from registered jewellers and keep the invoice, which should also show the HUID.
What the hallmark costs
Hallmarking centres charge jewellers per article. The figure commonly cited is ₹45 plus GST per piece, which some jewellers show as a separate line on the bill. On a ₹1,50,000 necklace that is a negligible share of the price. If a jeweller quotes a large hallmarking fee or uses it to justify a higher rate, question it.
Exemptions you may meet
The mandatory rule has carve-outs. Articles weighing less than 2 grams do not have to be hallmarked, and certain traditional forms, such as kundan, polki and jadau work, have been excluded because the gold is hard to assay without damage. Very small jewellers below a turnover threshold, and jewellery made for export, have also been treated differently. Rules can be updated by BIS, so if a piece is unhallmarked, ask the jeweller which exemption applies and get the purity written on the invoice.
Gold coins and bars
Gold coins sold by jewellers and banks in India are usually 995 or 999 fine, carry a BIS hallmark or refiner's assay mark, and come in sealed packs with an assay certificate. Bullion bars from refiners carry the refiner's stamp, fineness and serial number. For coin and bar prices, see gold coin prices and the 24K gold price.
Warning signs
- Mark only on the clasp or hook. In a necklace or chain, check that the hallmark is on the main body or on a tag the jeweller confirms covers the whole article.
- Marks that look stamped rather than laser-engraved, blurred, or out of alignment.
- The same HUID on two pieces, or a HUID whose record shows a different article type or weight class.
- No invoice, or an estimate slip instead of a GST invoice. Without it you have no record linking the HUID to your purchase.
Buying checklist
- Find all three marks on each piece, including small items in a set.
- Verify at least the main piece's HUID in BIS CARE before paying.
- Confirm that the purity on the invoice matches the hallmark and the rate charged: a 22K916 piece should not be billed at the 24K rate.
- Ask for net gold weight separately when stones are set; stones should not be charged at the gold rate. Use the jewellery price calculator to check the bill.
- Keep the GST invoice; it should list HUID, weight, purity, rate and making charge. See GST on gold.