As the new rule is set to take effect for silver jewellery and artefacts, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)is moving to resolve technical challenges in hallmarking silver surfaces. Marking as per the old system (four marks) for silver articles will be allowed until August 31, 2025
New Delhi:The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced that hallmarking for silver jewellery and artefacts will enter the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) regime – instead of the old purity marks – starting from September 1, 2025. HUID-based hallmarking of silver had been introduced by the BIS from August 1, 2025 on a voluntary basis. Now, while hallmarking itself still remains voluntary, the marking system has been officially changed. Marking as per the old system (four marks) for silver articles will be allowed until August 31, 2025.
This follows previous discussions by the Government and industry stakeholders, where the need for quality assurance and traceability in silver items wereemphasized.The development comes at a time when silver as a segment has seen a surge, spurred by rising gold prices.
Once implemented, the BIS hallmark will certify that the silver content meets predefined purity standards (e.g., 925 for sterling silver). It will also ensure transparency, quality and consumer trust, while also aligning India’s silver industry with global standards and helping formalize a traditionally fragmented sector.
So far, silver hallmarking had remained voluntary. However, during the 78th BIS Foundation Day held in New Delhi in January this year, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi had urged the BIS to accelerate the process of making it mandatory. The decision was influenced by feedback from both consumers and industry participants who had called for more regulation in the silver segment.
At the time, the durability of the HUID mark on silver was identified as a concern, particularly due to the possibility of the embossed mark fading or corroding. BIS is continuing discussions to resolve these technical challenges and implement marking that is resistant to wear and tear on silver surfaces.
Post that, BIS Deputy Director General Chitra Gupta had confirmed that work on silver hallmarking had commenced. She had also stated that after mandatory hallmarking for 9-carat gold jewellery, the inclusion of hallmarking for 7-carat gold may be implemented, going forward. Additionally, all hallmarked gold jewellery will now be required to carry both the weight of the item and a photographic image of it as part of the certification record. These measures aim to improve traceability and reduce disputes over quality, Gupta had said.
With mandatory hallmarking for silver jewellery to begin soon, the industry anticipates more consistency in quality standards and greater clarity in pricing. The BIS continues to engage with stakeholders to address technical and procedural issues before enforcement begins in September.
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