Introduction
Gold is a precious metal that has tremendous cultural and monetary importance in India, as well as being significant for personal reasons. However, throughout history, there has been uncertainty regarding the purity and authenticity of gold jewellery that consumers purchase and wear. To alleviate this concern, the government created a regulated system of marking all jewellery sold in India with a unique hallmark.
With full implementation of the hallmarking framework by 2026, the system will be expanded to include more districts, provide for stronger compliance and enforcement of the rules established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and allow for improved digital verification of all transactions involving BIS Hallmarked jewellery.
This document is designed to provide accurate and useful information about the BIS Gold Hallmarking framework, including applicable rules, geographic district expansions, process and compliance requirements.
What is BIS Gold Hallmarking?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has created a certification process called Gold Hallmarking, through which the purity can be verified for all gold jewellery.
The BIS hallmark system provides proof that gold meets required purity standards, which include 22Kt (916,d 18Kt (750) and 14Kt (585) standards. The identification system used in each hallmarked jewellery piece enables tracing of its origin while confirming its authenticity.
Overview of Amendment to Hallmarking 2026
Hallmarking was introduced in phases as a mandatory requirement beginning in 2021, to expand its use into all areas of India over time.
The update to Hallmarking in 2026 will broaden its use by:
Expanding the number of districts with mandatory hallmarking
Increasing the severity of penalties and enforcement
Creating more extensive electronic verification systems
Increasing jewellers' accountability
The goal of the amendment will be to ensure that only hallmarked gold is sold throughout India, thereby improving consumer confidence.
Key Features of Hallmarking Rules 2026
The hallmarking rules implemented in 2026 continue to build on past reform efforts, while also focusing on stricter enforcement.
A key provision is that each district, which has been designated "notified" by the government, is required to sell only hallmarked jewellery.
The improved enforcement of the Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID) will allow full traceability of each jewellery piece from the mine through to the end user.
With this update, HUIDs will have replaced the previous hallmarking numbering system. The HUID will now have an alphanumeric six-digit code.
The only jewellers that can sell hallmarked jewellery are those that are registered with the BIS.
Hallmarking is done through BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs).
There is also increased monitoring and penalties for non-compliance.
BIS Hallmarking District List 2026
The introduction of hallmarking in India has undergone a phased implementation process.
The status quo in 2026 (as it relates to hallmarking) is as follows:
All districts where an Assaying & Hallmarking Centre exists now have mandatory hallmarking requirements
The number of districts in which the requirements exist is more than in prior phases
The government will continue to notify additional districts based uonexisting infrastructure.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) does not maintain a static list of districts for hallmarking; instead, the BIS maintains an ever-expanding list of districts that are now being added to their list of included districts based on:
Ongoing additions of new districts from time to time, based on actual and/or verified hallmarking centre availability
Although no established methodology exists for determining hallmarking coverage of urbanised and semi-urbanised areas, new areas are being increasingly added to the hallmarking inclusion listing.
The best source for information regarding new, added districts and the status of area coverage will be through official BIS notifications; BIS continues to provide regular updates concerning its approved listing of districts.
Why is BIS Hallmarking Important?
BIS hallmarking has been established as a means of protecting consumers and establishing the framework for the gold market in India.
To assure consumers of the purity of the gold they are purchasing.
To prevent fraud and malpractice in the jewellery industry.
To establish consumer credibility and trust in jewellers, it provides a level of standardisation across the country in the gold trade, making all transactions of gold more transparent.
To provide a fair and reliable marketplace for consumers and jewellers.
How to Verify BIS Hallmarked Gold, 2026?
Consumers should be able to verify hallmarked gold using a number of means.
All hallmarked jewellery will have the following identifiers and marks:
1) The logo used by the Bureau of Indian Standards (i.e., BIS logo)
2) Purity mark (e.g., 22K916)
3) Six-digit HUID code
The HUID system allows buyers to verify authenticity through the BIS portal or mobile application.
By entering the HUID code, consumers can check:
Jeweller details
Purity information
Hallmarking centre details
This digital verification system ensures transparency and prevents fraud.
BIS Hallmark Registration Process for Jewellers
For jewellers to be able to sell hallmarked gold, they need to register with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Please follow the steps listed below to complete registration with BIS and to be able to sell hallmarked gold.
Step 1: Apply for registration online using the BIS registration platform.
Step 2: Provide the necessary supporting documents:
A business incorporation certificate
Your PAN (Tax identification) details
Proof of your business address
Your registered shop establishment certificate
Step 3: Pay the appropriate fee.
Step 4: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will process your registration.
Step 5: Upon approval, you will receive your BIS registration number.
Step 6: You will need to hallmark your jewellery through BIS-recognised centres.
Read more – How to Avoid BIS Rejection in India?
Conclusion
The introduction of BIS Gold Hallmarking in 2026 has led to robust, transparent, and consumer-led credentials, extending the district coverage, secure mandatory compliance and digital verification via HUID has helped increase consumer trust in the gold trade.
For jewellers, compliance going forward is a legal requirement,t not an option. Additionally, many jewellers who provide hallmarking to their customers are assuring quality and purity.
As the government continues to reinforce the registration process, hallmarking will continue to play a major role in governing the supply of gold in India's gold market.
FAQs on BIS Gold Hallmarking 2026
Q1: Is it required for Indian Gold Jewelry to be Hallmarked?
Yes. The Gold Jewellery Hallmark (BIS) is required to be Hallmarked in certain areas within India.
All properties will have at least one HUID identified to allow tracing.
Q2: What does HUID mean when Hallmarking Gold?
The unique, six (6) digit number that identifies Hallmarked Gold is called the HUID. It is used to trace the origin of Gold at the time of Hallmarking.
Q3: How does the addition of new Districts happen for Hallmarking in 2026?
Districts will be added dynamically when a Hallmark Centre becomes available. A "fixed" list does not exist for all of 2026.
Q4: Is it legal to Sell Non-Hallmarked Gold Jewelry?
No. Selling Non-Hallmarked Gold Jewelry in the Hallmarked area can result in fines and penalties.
Q5: How can Consumers Verify their Hallmarked Gold Jewellery?
When you find the HUID number on your Hallmarked Gold, you may go to the BIS Portal for verification. You may also verify your Hallmarked Gold using the BIS Mobile Application.
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