The Timeline of Mandatory Hallmarking in India

India's journey toward mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery has been a gradual, phased process.

Key Milestones

• 2000 — BIS introduces voluntary hallmarking scheme for gold jewellery
• 2005–2020 — Gradual expansion of the network of hallmarking centres and registered jewellers
• June 2021 — Mandatory hallmarking implemented in Phase 1, covering 256 districts
• 2021 — Introduction of the HUID system, replacing the jeweller's identification mark
• 2022 — Phase 2 expands mandatory hallmarking to additional districts
• 2023–2024 — Further expansion; silver jewellery brought under the hallmarking framework
• Ongoing — Continuous expansion of covered districts and article categories

Impact on the Industry

Mandatory hallmarking has significantly changed the Indian jewellery industry. The number of BIS-registered jewellers and authorized hallmarking centres has grown substantially, and consumer awareness of hallmarking has increased dramatically.

Current Status

As of the latest BIS notifications, mandatory hallmarking covers gold jewellery and gold artefacts across all districts of India. Jewellers above the prescribed annual turnover threshold must ensure all gold articles sold are hallmarked with valid HUID numbers.