Recognition of Hallmarking Centres & Refineries

Hallmarking is the official mark or certification that guarantees the purity or fineness of precious metals in jewellery and articles. It is an accurate determination and recording of the proportionate content of precious metal (gold or silver) in ornaments.

Hallmarking was made mandatory in India to protect consumers from fraud and ensure they receive jewellery of declared purity. As per BIS regulations, all gold and silver jewellery sold in India must be hallmarked to provide transparency, build consumer trust, and maintain quality standards in the precious metals industry.

The hallmark certifies that the jewellery meets the purity standards as claimed by the seller, and has been independently verified by a BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre.

The hallmarking process in India follows a systematic procedure aligned with international standards:

1. Jeweller Registration: Jewellers must first register with BIS to be authorized to sell hallmarked jewellery.
2. Submission to Assaying Centre: Registered jewellers submit their gold or silver articles to a BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre.
3. Testing and Assaying: The centre conducts precise tests using standardized methods (such as fire assay, X-ray fluorescence, or touchstone) to determine the exact purity of the precious metal.
4. Hallmark Application: If the article meets the declared purity standards (e.g., 22K, 18K for gold or 92.5% for silver), the centre applies the hallmark using a laser or punch marking system.
5. Certification: The hallmarked jewellery is returned to the jeweller with official certification, ready for sale to consumers.

The hallmark typically includes the BIS logo, purity grade, Assaying centre's identification mark, and jeweller's identification mark.

The time required for hallmarking depends on several factors including the volume of articles, the testing method used, and the workload at the Assaying and Hallmarking Centre.

Typical Timelines:

• Standard processing: 3-7 working days for regular batches of jewellery.
• Express processing: Some centres offer faster turnaround (1-2 days) for urgent requirements, often at an additional fee.
• Bulk orders: Large volumes may take 7-14 days depending on the capacity of the centre.

Factors affecting turnaround time:

• Number of articles submitted for hallmarking
• Complexity of testing required
• Current workload at the assaying centre
• Type of jewellery (intricate designs may require more careful handling)

It is advisable to check with your local BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre for specific timelines and to plan accordingly, especially during peak seasons.

The cost of hallmarking varies based on the type of precious metal, the weight of the article, and the specific Assaying and Hallmarking Centre. Charges are not fixed by BIS and may differ across centres.

General Cost Structure:

• Gold jewellery: Typically ranges from ₹25 to ₹100 per article, depending on weight and complexity.
• Silver articles: Usually ₹10 to ₹50 per piece, depending on size and weight.
• Bulk hallmarking: Many centres offer discounted rates for bulk submissions from registered jewellers.
• Express processing: Additional charges (usually 50-100% premium) may apply for faster turnaround times.

Additional Costs to Consider:

• BIS jeweller registration fee: One-time and annual renewal fees for jewellers to register with BIS.
• Testing charges: Some centres may charge separately for detailed testing or re-testing of rejected articles.
• Transportation and insurance: Costs for securely transporting jewellery to and from the hallmarking centre.

It is recommended to contact your nearest BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre for an accurate quote based on your specific requirements.

To become a BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre, you must meet specific technical, infrastructural, and quality management requirements as per IS 15820:2009.

Key Requirements:

• Infrastructure: Dedicated laboratory space with proper security, ventilation, and safety measures.
• Equipment: Calibrated assaying and testing equipment (such as fire assay furnaces, X-ray fluorescence machines, touchstone testing kits, and hallmarking tools).
• Qualified Personnel: Trained and certified assayers with technical expertise in precious metal testing.
• Quality Management System: Implementation of a documented quality manual covering standard operating procedures, calibration protocols, record-keeping, and internal audits.
• Compliance with BIS Standards: Adherence to testing methods, accuracy standards, and traceability requirements as specified by BIS.

Application Process:

1. Prepare documentation: Develop a comprehensive Quality Manual covering all operational procedures and quality control measures.
2. Submit application to BIS: Apply through the BIS portal along with the Quality Manual and supporting documents.
3. BIS inspection: BIS officials will conduct an on-site inspection to verify infrastructure, equipment, and adherence to standards.
4. Recognition and license: Upon successful assessment, BIS grants recognition, allowing you to operate as an official Assaying and Hallmarking Centre.
5. Ongoing compliance: Regular surveillance audits and proficiency testing to maintain recognition.

Omega QMS has been instrumental in helping over a hundred Assaying and Hallmarking Centres obtain BIS recognition. We provide end-to-end support, from Quality Manual development to successful recognition.

Contact us at info@globalomega.com or call +91-9810047474 for expert guidance.

Yes, foreign-made jewellery can be hallmarked in India, provided it meets BIS purity standards and is submitted through a BIS-registered jeweller.

Key Points to Consider:

• BIS registration required: Only jewellers registered with BIS can submit jewellery for hallmarking. If you are an individual, you must approach a registered jeweller who can facilitate the hallmarking process.
• Testing and verification: The imported jewellery will undergo the same rigorous assaying and testing procedures as domestically manufactured jewellery to verify its purity.
• Compliance with Indian standards: The jewellery must conform to BIS-approved purity grades (e.g., 22K, 18K, 14K for gold; 92.5% for silver). If the purity does not meet Indian standards, hallmarking will not be granted.
• International hallmarks: While some international hallmarks (such as those from assay offices in the UK or Switzerland) are recognized as indicators of quality, jewellery sold in India must carry the BIS hallmark to comply with Indian regulations, regardless of any foreign hallmarks.

Process for Foreign Jewellery:

1. Submit the jewellery to a BIS-registered jeweller.
2. The jeweller forwards the articles to a BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centre.
3. Testing and hallmarking are conducted as per Indian standards.
4. If approved, the BIS hallmark is applied, and the jewellery can be legally sold in India.

This ensures that all jewellery sold in India, regardless of origin, meets the same quality and purity standards mandated by BIS for consumer protection.