Hallmark Registration is a certification process in India that certifies the purity and quality of gold
and silver articles as per the standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This certification
is mandatory for businesses involved in the manufacturing and selling of gold and silver items to ensure
that customers receive genuine products. Hallmarking helps protect consumers from adulteration and
ensures transparency in the market. By obtaining this certification, businesses can legally trade in
gold and silver and gain customer trust.
What is Hallmarking
Hallmarking is the precise assessment and official certification of the precious metal content (such as
gold and silver) in metal articles. Hallmarks are official symbols used in various countries as proof of
the purity or fineness of precious metals. The key goal of the Hallmarking Scheme is to protect the
public from adulteration and to ensure that manufacturers uphold legal standards of purity. In India,
gold and silver have specifically been brought under the Hallmarking regulations.
This Hallmarking Scheme follows international standards. Under the scheme, the Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS) grants Hallmark Registration to jewellers. These certified jewellers can then have their
products hallmarked at any BIS-recognized center.
Importance of Hallmark Registration Certification
- Consumer Trust: Hallmark Registration assures customers of the purity and
authenticity of the gold and silver items they purchase. It builds confidence, ensuring they
receive what they are paying for.
- Legal Compliance: Obtaining Hallmark Certification is mandatory for businesses
involved in selling or manufacturing gold and silver products in India, ensuring that they meet
the legal standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- Quality Assurance: The certification guarantees that the jewellery or metal
products meet the required purity standards, protecting consumers from low-quality or
adulterated items.
- Market Recognition: Certified jewellers gain a competitive edge in the market, as
hallmarking serves as a symbol of quality that can attract more customers.
- International Standards: The Hallmarking Scheme aligns with global standards,
making it easier for Indian businesses to gain international credibility and expand their market
reach.
- Consumer Protection: By maintaining consistent quality, Hallmark Certification
safeguards the public from fraudulent practices and ensures transparency in the gold and silver
market.
What are the different marks of a BIS Hallmark?
A BIS Hallmark consists of specific marks that indicate the purity and authenticity of a gold or silver
item. These marks are standardized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and include the following:
- BIS Standard Mark: This is the official logo of the Bureau of Indian Standards,
indicating that the item has been certified as per BIS norms.
- Purity/Fineness Grade: This mark indicates the purity of the gold or silver item.
For gold, it is expressed in carats (e.g., 22K, 18K) and fineness (e.g., 916 for 22K, 750 for
18K). For silver, the purity is marked in parts per thousand (e.g., 925 for sterling silver).
- Assaying and Hallmarking Center's Identification Mark (AHC): This mark is unique to
the BIS-recognized assaying and hallmarking center that tested and certified the item.
- Jeweller’s Identification Mark: This is a unique identification or logo of the
jeweller who has registered with BIS, ensuring traceability.
- Year of Marking: A code indicating the year of hallmarking is also included. This
helps in identifying when the item was certified.
Types of BIS Hallmarking Registration Certificate
In India, there are two main types of BIS Hallmarking Registration Certificates:
- BIS Registration for Jewellers or Showrooms: Jewellers are required to obtain BIS
Hallmarking Registration in order to manufacture or sell gold and silver jewellery. This
registration is granted by BIS for a specific location. Any jeweller who wishes to sell BIS
Hallmarked jewellery must first secure a Hallmark Registration from BIS for each of their
outlets. Once registered, jewellers can have their products hallmarked at BIS-certified Assaying
and Hallmarking Centres.
- BIS Recognition for Assaying & Hallmarking Centres: A Hallmarking Centre is a
BIS-certified facility, or an independent third-party evaluation center, where the purity of
precious metals is tested and stamped. For a center to operate legally, it must be recognized by
BIS. Assaying and Hallmarking Centres must apply for BIS recognition to ensure their operations
meet the required standards.
Different Types of Forms for Hallmark Registration
| Forms |
Description |
| Form-I |
This application form is for the grant of a Hallmark Registration Certificate to Jewellers to
sell Hallmarked articles. |
| Form-IV |
Application for Recognition of Assaying & Hallmarking Centre as per IS 15820 |
| Form-V |
Affidavit cum undertaking submitted by Assaying & Hallmarking Centre for BIS Recognition |
| Form-VII |
The renewal application of Recognition of Assaying & Hallmarking Centre as per IS 15820 |
| Form-VIII |
Application for grant of License to use the Hallmark |
| Form-XIII |
Renewal Application of License |
| Schedule-II |
Fee for Grant & Renewal of Recognition of Assaying & Hallmarking Centre |
| Schedule-V |
Fee for Grant & Renewal of License to Refinery/Mint |
Who is Ineligible for Hallmark Registration in India?
Certain jewellers are ineligible to apply for a Hallmark Registration Certificate under specific
conditions:
- Cancellation of Registration: If a jeweller's Hallmark Registration has been
cancelled under sub-regulation 1(e) of Regulation 7 of the BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations, 2018,
they cannot reapply for a Hallmark Registration Certificate for a cooling period of one year
from the date of the cancellation order.
- Conviction under the Act: Any jeweller who has been convicted under the provisions
of the BIS Act will be ineligible to apply for Hallmark Registration for a period of one year
from the date of conviction.
Note: If a firm or individual who is not eligible for Hallmark
Registration manages to
obtain a registration through the online portal, such registration is subject to cancellation by the
BIS.
Documents Required for Hallmark Registration
To obtain a Hallmark Registration Certificate from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the following
documents are generally required:
A completed BIS
Hallmark Registration application form, which can be downloaded from the BIS website or filled
out online.- Documents such as the
Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or GST Registration, depending on the type of
business entity (e.g., Private Limited, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship).
- Copy of the identity
proof of the owner or authorized signatory, such as an Aadhaar card, Passport, PAN card, or
Voter ID.
- Proof of business
address, such as a utility bill (electricity, water), lease agreement, or property tax receipt.
- If the jeweller’s
brand name is trademarked, a copy of the Trademark Registration Certificate should be submitted.
- A list of all sales
outlets where the jewellery will be sold, along with their complete addresses.
- If the jeweller is
also a manufacturer, details of the manufacturing unit, including its location and a description
of the equipment used, should be provided.
- An undertaking or
declaration by the jeweller that they will adhere to all BIS norms and regulations concerning
hallmarking.
- Proof of payment of
the BIS registration fee.
Why Choose SeaRoot?
SeaRoot, along with its dedicated legal team, will assist you in obtaining the Hallmark Registration
Certificate seamlessly. From preparing and submitting the necessary documents to ensuring compliance
with BIS regulations, SeaRoot handles the entire process for you. Our experts guide you through each
step, making the complex registration process straightforward and stress-free. With SeaRoot, you can
rest assured that your Hallmark Registration will be obtained efficiently and at an affordable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is Hallmark Registration?
Hallmark Registration is a certification process regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards
(BIS) that ensures the purity and quality of gold and silver articles. It is mandatory for
jewellers to obtain this certification to sell or manufacture these precious metals in India.
2.Why is Hallmarking important for jewellers?
Hallmarking guarantees the purity and quality of gold and silver items, which builds customer
trust and ensures compliance with legal standards. It helps jewellers safeguard their reputation
and avoid penalties for non-compliance.
3.Who needs to apply for Hallmark Registration?
Any jeweller or showroom dealing in gold and silver jewellery, as well as manufacturers of these
items, must apply for Hallmark Registration. Additionally, Assaying and Hallmarking Centres also
need to obtain recognition from BIS.
4.What are the documents required for Hallmark Registration?
Key documents include the application form, proof of establishment, identity and address proof,
details of sales outlets, and proof of payment of BIS registration fees. Additional documents
like Trademark Registration and manufacturing unit details may be required if applicable.
5.How long is the Hallmark Registration Certificate valid?
The Hallmark Registration Certificate is typically valid for a period of five years, after which
it must be renewed to continue selling or manufacturing hallmarked jewellery.
6.What happens if my Hallmark Registration is cancelled?
If your Hallmark Registration is cancelled, you will be ineligible to reapply for a Hallmark
Registration Certificate for one year from the date of cancellation. It's important to follow
all BIS guidelines to avoid cancellation.
