Silver has been prized for centuries – it is used in jewellery, coins, utensils and decorative articles. But how can a buyer or seller be assured that the “silver” is actually pure, and not adulterated? In India, this assurance is increasingly embodied in BIS certification/hallmarking. In this blog, we will explore what BIS certification for silver involves, the recent regulatory changes and how it shapes confidence in the silver market.
What Is BIS Certification for Silver?
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards. It is a national body in India that checks and ensures the quality, purity and safety of products. When a product has BIS mark, it means that the product follows all the quality standards set by the Government of India.
For silver, BIS certification confirms that the silver is pure, genuine and meets Indian standards.
Purpose of BIS Hallmarking for Silver
The main objective of BIS hallmarking for silver is to:
- Protect consumers from adulteration and fraud.
- Ensure standard purity in silver products.
- Build trust and confidence in precious metals trading.
- To promote quality manufacturing and fair trade practices.
Applicable Indian Standard
BIS hallmarking for silver is regulated by:
- IS 2112:2014 – Hallmarking of silver and silver alloys – Specification
This standard specifies fineness grades, marking requirements, and testing procedures for silver and silver alloys.
Fineness Grades of Silver
As per IS 2112:2014, silver articles can be hallmarked under the following purity grades (in parts per thousand):
| Silver Purity (Fineness) | Description |
| 999 | 99.9% pure silver |
| 970 | 97.0% pure silver |
| 925 | 92.5% pure silver |
| 900 | 90.0% pure silver |
| 835 | 83.5% pure silver |
| 800 | 80.0% pure silver |
BIS Hallmark Components on Silver Articles
Every hallmarked silver item must have five distinct marks for consumer assurance:
- BIS logo – The triangular symbol representing BIS.
- Purity/fineness grades – like 999, 925, etc.
- Assay and Hallmarking Center Mark – Identifies a certified testing laboratory.
- Jeweler’s Identification Mark – Unique code registered with BIS.
- Year of Hallmarking (optional) – Shows the year of hallmarking.
Who Needs BIS Certification for Silver?
The following entities are required to obtain BIS Certificate for Silver
or registration:
- Manufacturers of silver jewelry or articles
- Retailer or merchant selling silver jewelry
- Exporters trading in BIS-hallmarked products
Without valid BIS certification, selling or displaying unhallmarked silver jewelry is prohibited in India.
Documents Required for BIS Certification of Silver
To apply for BIS registration of Silver or hallmarking authorization, applicants must submit:
- Proof of business registration (GST, Udyam, etc.)
- Proof of identity and address of the owner/director
- Manufacturing Premises Details
- List of Machinery and Testing Equipment
- proof of annual turnover
- Copy of trademark registration (if applicable)
- Authorization letter for BIS correspondence
Read More: Documents Required For BIS Registration
Process of Obtaining BIS Certification for Silver
Here is a step-by-step overview of the BIS certificate for silver process for silver jewelery manufacturers and traders:
1.Application submission: Apply online through the BIS portal under Hallmarking Scheme for Silver.
2.Document verification: BIS verifies all submitted documents and the credibility of the business entity.
3.Inspection and testing: The samples are tested for purity and fineness at an authorized BIS assaying and hallmarking centre.
4.Grant of license: After successful assessment, BIS issues Hallmarking Registration Certificate to the jeweller.
5.Marking and selling: Once certified, manufacturers can hallmark their silver items and sell them under BIS standards.
Read More: Process for getting BIS for Certification
Validity and Renewal of BIS Certificate
- BIS certification for silver is valid for two years.
- It can be renewed by submitting renewal application with updated documents and fee before expiry.
Benefits of BIS Certification for Silver
Below we mentioned benefits of BIS certificate for Silver
| Benefits to Jewellers | Benefits to Consumers |
| Builds credibility and trust | Ensures purity and authenticity |
| Enables legal sale and export | Protection against adulteration |
| Enhances brand value | Transparency in pricing |
| Access to hallmarking centres | Assurance of government-approved testing |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the BIS Act, 2016, selling or manufacturing unhallmarked silver articles is a punishable offence.
Penalties may include:
- Fine up to ₹1 lakh
- seizure of goods
- Suspension or cancellation of BIS license
Conclusion
BIS certification for silver ensures trust, purity and transparency in India’s precious metals market. Whether you are a jeweller, exporter or manufacturer, achieving BIS certification is not just a regulatory requirement – it is a symbol of credibility and consumer confidence.
At ELT Corporate, we assist manufacturers and traders in obtaining BIS certification for silver jewelery and items, ensuring a smooth process from documentation to approval.
What is BIS Certification for Silver?
It is a quality assurance certification from BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) for silver products to ensure purity and standard compliance.
Is BIS Certification mandatory for silver?
Yes, under the Hallmarking of Silver Jewellery and Artefacts Order, it is mandatory in India.
Who can apply for BIS Certification for Silver?
Manufacturers, jewellers, and silver article producers can apply for the certification.
