Latest BIS Hallmarking Rules for Gold

Gold in India is more than a special metal – it’s blend of tradition, investment, and security. To make sure  customers get real what they pay for, the Bureau of India Standards executes hallmarking rules that guarantee the purity and authenticity of gold jewellery and artefacts.

In a significant move, BIS has officially included 9k gold under mandatory hallmarking standards effective July 1,2025. This update is expected to open up new opportunities for jewellers and consumers while further stabilising gold purity standards in all India.

What is BIS Hallmarking For Gold?

BIS hallmarking is a certification process that verifies the purity of gold based on stringent testing carried out at BIS-recognised Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHCs).

A BIS hallmark on gold jewellery acts as:

• A guarantee for consumers that the purity claimed is accurate.
• A compliance mark for jewellers ensuring their products meet legal purity standards.

Key Update – Inclusion of 9K Gold from July 2025

Earlier, BIS hallmarking covered six purity grades:

• 14K (585)
• 18K (750)
• 20K (833)
• 22K (916)
• 23K (958)
• 24K (999)

From July 1, 2025, 9K (375) gold is now included under the hallmarking scheme. This means:

• Jewellers can now legally sell BIS-hallmarked 9K jewellery.
• Customers buying 9K gold can ensure it meets purity standards.
• More affordable gold options enter the market without compromising quality assurance.

Why This Change Matters 

For Consumers 

• Affordability – 9k gold contains 37.5% pure gold, making it more budget-friendly.
• Assured Purity – Even at a lower karat, BIS hallmarking guarantees compliance with purity norms.
• Better Durability – Higher alloy content in 9k gold increases strength, making it ideal for daily wear.

For jewellers 

• Wider Product Range – Ability to target new customer segments looking for economical jewellery
• Market Expansion – Encourage innovative design with lower gold content but high quality.
• Regulatory Compliance – Staying aligned with BIS standards builds trust and credibility.

How BIS Hallmarking Works (Including for 9K Gold)

The hallmarking process is standardised for all gold purities, including the new 9K category:

Step	Process	Details
1	Jeweller Registration	Jewellers must be registered with BIS through the Manakonline portal.
2	Testing at AHC	Jewellery is sent to a BIS-authorised Assaying & Hallmarking Centre.
3	Purity Verification	Advanced testing methods such as X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Fire Assay confirm the fineness of the gold.
4	Hallmark Application	The approved piece is stamped with the BIS hallmark, showing: – BIS logo – Purity grade (e.g., 375 for 9K) – Jeweller’s Identification Mark – AHC’s Identification Mark
5	Return to Seller	The hallmarked jewellery is returned to the jeweller for sale.

BIS Hallmarking Process 

To get BIS hallmarking for 9k or other gold jewellery, the following steps are followed:

1. Jewellers Registration – Apply for BIS registration through the BIS portal.
2. Submission to Assaying & Hallmarking Centre – The jewellery is tested for purity at a BIS-recognised Centre.
3. Purity Verification – The centre uses scientific methods like XRF analysis and fire assay to confirm gold content.
4. Hallmark Stamping – Once approved, jewellery is stamped with:

• BIS logo 
• Purity/fineness mark (e,g., 375 for 9k)
• Jewellers identification mark 

5. Delivery to customer – Hallmarked jewellery is ready for sale.

Hallmarking Rules – Mandatory Compliance

Applicability

• All gold jewellery and artefacts above 2 grams must be hallmarked before sale. 
• Applicable to both manufacturers and retailers.

Exemptions 

• Jewellery for export 
• Antique jewellery.
• Jewellery under 2 grams in weight.
• Watches, fountain pens, and special items where hallmaking is impractical

Penalties for Non-Compliance  

Under the BIS Act, 2016:

• Selling non-hallmarking gold (when mandatory) attracts heavy fines.
• Penalties can include five times the cost of the article or imprisonment up to one year in severe cases.

Benefits of 9k Gold Hallmarking 

For consumers 

• Cost efficiency – 9k gold is significantly cheaper than 22k or 18k gold.
• Duration – Less prone to bending, ideal for daily – wear jewelry.
• Verified Purity – Hallmarking ensures 37.5% pure gold content without misrepresentation.

For Jewellers 

• New Customer Base – appeals to first-time buyers and younger demographics.
• Export Advantage – Easier to sell in markets where 9K is popular 
• Regulatory Safety – Full compliance avoids legal penalties.

BIS Hallmark Components (Post-July 2025)

Every BIS-hallmarked gold jewellery piece will carry four marks:

• BIS Logo – National standard mark.
• Purity/Fineness Grade – e.g., 375 for 9K, 916 for 22K.
• AHC’s Identification Mark – Unique ID of the assaying centre.
• Jeweller’s Identification Mark – Unique ID of the jeweller.

Impact on the Indian Gold Market

The addition of 9K hallmarking is expected to:

• Increase sales of lightweight jewellery.
• Increase competition among jewellers to offer new designs.
• Attract price-sensitive customers who previously opted for imitation jewellery.
• Improve gold recycling and resale transparency due to certified purity.

How ELT Corporate Can Help

At ELT Corporate, we specialise in BIS Certification services for electronic products, including power banks. We offer:

• End-to-end application support
• Testing coordination with BIS labs
• Documentation & portal filing
• Post-certification compliance advisory

Conclusion

The inclusion of 9K gold in BIS hallmarking from July 2025 is a landmark decision that makes certified gold more accessible to a wider audience. Whether you’re a jeweller looking to expand your product range or a consumer seeking a budget-friendly yet certified piece of jewellery, this move make sures that purity, trust, and value remain Secure.

When buying gold – whether it’s 9K or 24K – always check for the BIS hallmark. It’s not just a mark on the metal; it’s a mark of trust.