Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 4: In a move aimed at improving transparency and consumer protection, the Indian government has introduced voluntary digital hallmarking for silver jewellery and articles starting September 1.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has updated its hallmarking regulations, replacing the 2014 guidelines with IS 2112:2025. The new system introduces Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) codes for silver products, similar to the system already in place for gold. Each hallmarked silver item will now carry a unique digital code that consumers can verify using the BIS Care mobile app.
The hallmark will consist of three elements: the BIS Standard Mark (along with the word “SILVER”), the purity grade, and the HUID. Buyers can check the item's authenticity, purity level, testing centre, hallmarking date, and jeweller’s registration number instantly through the app.
The revised standards now include seven purity grades—800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990, and 999—with the highest grades (958 and 999) introduced for the first time. This replaces the older system that had six purity levels and a four-part hallmark.
Currently, there are around 230 BIS-authorised assaying and hallmarking centres for silver in 87 districts across India. In the financial year 2024–25, more than 32 lakh silver articles were hallmarked under the previous system.
The BIS said the changes were finalised after stakeholder consultations with jewellers, testing centres, and consumers on August 7. Awareness campaigns are also underway to educate the public about the new digital hallmarking system.
Officials say the move will help reduce fraud in the silver market and ensure that customers get what they pay for.