The industry body is working to create a more structured gold ecosystem across India, supported by defined standards and wide participation
Mumbai: The Indian Association for Gold Excellence and Standards (IAGES) has crossed the milestone of 100 accredited partners while establishing a network of more than 550 partner outlets across India. With a presence spanning over 240 cities, the organization continues to build its role in supporting trust, transparency and standardization in the gold industry.
The IAGES accreditation network now extends across the entire gold value chain, bringing together refiners, bullion traders, manufacturers, assaying and hallmarking centres, retailers and digital gold retailers under a single framework. Retailers account for the largest share of accredited members, having aligned with the industry-defined code of conduct and standardized business practices. At the same time, participation from other segments of the value chain continues to increase, indicating wider industry engagement with the accreditation process. With additional partners in the pipeline, the network is expected to expand further as the sector moves towards structured and accountable operations.
“IAGES represents a truly pan-India network from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Mumbai to Kolkata, reiterating the industry’s need for a standard code of conduct uniting businesses under a common framework of best practices. We are delighted to achieve this landmark and continue our endeavours to reach out to each and every gold business in the country. While we have accredited large national players, it gives us happiness that small and medium players are coming forward in large numbers which is a true representation of the success and acceptance of IAGES by the gold industry,” said Kaushlendra Sinha, CEO, IAGES.
Accreditation under IAGES is granted only after a detailed assessment of business practices across the value chain, conducted by an independent third-party assessor. The process evaluates operational standards, sourcing practices and compliance, ensuring that participating businesses follow defined benchmarks. For jewellers, accreditation reflects verified practices, ethical conduct and operational processes, while for consumers, it signals that the retailer has adhered to established standards of authenticity and integrity in sourcing and manufacturing.
Alongside its industry initiatives, IAGES has also introduced a consumer awareness campaign titled ‘Before you buy gold, #PehlaCheckIAGES’. The campaign is designed to encourage buyers to verify whether a retailer is IAGES-accredited before making a purchase. By placing emphasis on informed decision-making, the initiative seeks to strengthen accountability within the gold buying process and reinforce trust between businesses and consumers.
Through the expansion of its accredited network and continued outreach efforts, IAGES is working to create a more structured gold ecosystem across India, supported by defined standards and wider industry participation.
First announced in August 2024 and fully operational a few months later, the IAGES is backed by apex trade bodies like India Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA), Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) with overall support from the World Gold Council (WGC).
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