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BIS Hallmarking: Reasons why hallmarking is not yet mandatory for silver jewelry—what are the challenges?

Posted on 8th Jun 2026 11:29 am by rohit kumar

The Central Government is preparing to introduce mandatory hallmarking for silver jewellery and artefacts in India, similar to the existing system for gold. At present, hallmarking for silver remains voluntary, but the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has already introduced a Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) system for silver items to help consumers verify purity and authenticity.

 

The move is aimed at increasing transparency in the silver market and protecting buyers from fraud and adulteration. However, officials say several major challenges still need to be addressed before mandatory implementation becomes a reality.

 

Government Evaluating Mandatory Silver Hallmarking

 

According to BIS Director General Sanjay Garg, the silver market in India is significantly more complex than the gold market. Unlike gold jewellery, silver products are sold across a wide range of businesses—from small local shops to large jewellery showrooms—and the category also includes silver utensils, decorative products, and even silver furniture.

 

Because of this wide product diversity, the government is moving cautiously before enforcing mandatory hallmarking rules.

 

Garg stated that BIS is currently studying:

 

Infrastructure readiness

Regulatory framework requirements

Availability of hallmarking centres

Market compliance challenges

 

before implementing compulsory silver hallmarking nationwide.

 

Silver Hallmarking Numbers Show Growing Adoption

 

Even though hallmarking for silver is currently voluntary, adoption has grown rapidly in recent years.

 

Key Figures Released by BIS

Around 59 lakh silver jewellery items have already been hallmarked.

More than 32 lakh silver items were hallmarked during FY 2025-26 alone.

India currently has 230 BIS-recognized centres for testing silver jewellery and artefacts.

 

The government believes these figures indicate rising awareness among consumers regarding purity certification.

 

HUID System Introduced for Silver Items

 

To strengthen consumer trust, BIS has introduced the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number system for silver jewellery and artefacts.

 

Under this system:

 

Every hallmarked silver item receives a unique identification code.

Buyers can verify authenticity and purity digitally.

The system helps prevent counterfeit hallmarking.

 

This model is already widely used for gold jewellery in India and is expected to become the backbone of future silver hallmarking regulations as well.

 

Staff Shortage Remains a Major Concern

 

One of the biggest hurdles facing BIS is manpower shortage.

 

According to officials, the entire hallmarking operation at BIS is currently managed by a very small internal team, while much of the operational work is handled by outsourced or private personnel.

 

Maintaining consumer trust while operating through private hallmarking centres is being viewed as a major administrative challenge.

 

Sanjay Garg emphasized that BIS does not want to rush the process and risk operational failures.

 

He clarified that:

 

Silver hallmarking will likely be implemented in phases.

BIS wants to strengthen systems before making compliance mandatory.

The focus remains on accuracy, transparency, and trust-building.

Gold Hallmarking Expansion Continues Across India

 

Meanwhile, the government continues to aggressively expand mandatory hallmarking for gold jewellery.

 

Recently, seven additional districts were added under the compulsory gold hallmarking system, taking the total number of covered districts to 380 across India.

 

Gold hallmarking became mandatory in 2021, and since then:

 

More than 60 crore gold jewellery items have been hallmarked.

BIS has mandated hallmarking for:

14-carat

18-carat

20-carat

22-carat

23-carat

24-carat gold jewellery and artefacts.

 

Although 9-carat gold hallmarking is permitted, it currently remains voluntary.

 

Consumers can verify gold jewellery purity using the HUID number through the official BIS Care mobile application.

 

What Mandatory Silver Hallmarking Means for Buyers

 

If implemented nationwide, mandatory silver hallmarking could offer several benefits:

 

Benefits for Consumers

Better purity assurance

Reduced risk of fraud

Easier verification through HUID numbers

Greater transparency in silver purchases

Benefits for the Industry

Improved standardization

Higher customer trust

Organized market growth

Better export credibility for Indian silver products

 

 

India is gradually moving toward a more transparent and regulated precious metals market. While gold hallmarking has already become mainstream, silver hallmarking still faces infrastructure and operational challenges.

 

However, with HUID technology already introduced and voluntary adoption increasing rapidly, experts believe mandatory hallmarking for silver jewellery and artefacts may soon become a reality in phased stages across the country.

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