SeaRoot offers specialized services to help businesses in the jewelry industry obtain official
recognition and certification from Hallmarking Centres. By acting on behalf of your business, SeaRoot
simplifies the process, ensuring you meet all the necessary requirements for hallmarking compliance.
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.
What do you mean by Hallmarking Centres?
Hallmarking Centres are officially recognized and authorized facilities where precious metal items, such
as gold and silver jewelry, are tested and certified for their purity and quality. These centers are
regulated by government authorities, ensuring that the metals meet specific standards. The hallmark they
provide is a mark or stamp on the product that guarantees its authenticity and compliance with these
purity standards.
Why are they important?
- Consumer Protection: Hallmarking ensures that the purity and quality of precious
metals like gold and silver are accurately represented. This protects consumers from fraudulent
practices, such as buying jewelry that is sold as higher purity than it actually is.
- Trust and Confidence: A hallmark on a piece of jewelry provides assurance to
consumers that the item meets recognized quality standards. This builds trust between buyers and
sellers, ensuring that customers are getting what they pay for.
- Legal Compliance: Many countries, including India, require hallmarking by law. For
example, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates that all gold jewelry sold in India must
be hallmarked. Hallmarking Centres ensure that businesses comply with these regulations,
avoiding legal issues and penalties.
- Standardization: Hallmarking standardizes the measurement of precious metal purity
across the industry, creating a level playing field for businesses and ensuring that products
meet consistent quality benchmarks.
- International Trade: Hallmarking is recognized internationally, which facilitates
trade across borders. Certified products are more easily accepted in foreign markets, helping
businesses expand their reach globally.
Documents Required for the Recognition Hallmarking Centres
To obtain recognition for Hallmarking Centres, businesses typically need to submit a variety of documents
to ensure compliance with government regulations. The exact requirements may vary depending on the
country, but generally, the following documents are required:
Proof that your
business is legally registered, such as a Certificate of Incorporation, Partnership Deed, or
Sole Proprietorship Registration.- Documents like
utility bills, lease agreement, or ownership documents showing the address of the business’s
registered office.
- Identity proof for
all key personnel involved, such as directors or owners.
- Proof of the
business’s bank account for financial transactions.
- Layout and
ownership/lease documents for the facility where hallmarking or related activities will be
conducted.
- Proof of your
business's commitment to quality standards, including any certifications or procedures in place
for quality control.
- Clearance from the
relevant environmental authorities ensuring that your operations comply with environmental
regulations.
- GST registration
certificate or other applicable tax documents.
- Local trade licenses
or permissions required to operate your business.
- A completed
application form provided by the regulatory authority overseeing hallmarking recognition.
- Proof of payment of
any required application or processing fees.
- A declaration stating
that the business will adhere to all regulations and guidelines for hallmarking.
Steps to Obtain Hallmarking Centre (AHC) Recognition
- Start by completing
the online application form and uploading all the required documents as specified.
- After submission,
your application and documents will be forwarded for further processing and review by the Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS).
- BIS officials will
conduct an on-site inspection to ensure your business meets the standards required for Assaying
and Hallmarking Centre recognition.
- During the
inspection, the officials will thoroughly review all the submitted documents to confirm they
comply with the prescribed guidelines.
- If the BIS officials
find everything in order, both in the inspection and documentation, they will proceed to grant
your business AHC recognition.
Conditions for Rejection of Hallmarking Centre (HC) Recognition Application
An application for Hallmarking Centre (HC) recognition may be rejected under the following conditions:
- Recent Hallmark Violation: If the applicant has submitted an application
immediately following a detected case of hallmark misuse or a violation under Sections 14 or 15
of the BIS Act, 2016.
- Pending Legal Action: If there is an ongoing prosecution or initiation of a
prosecution case in the trial court against the applicant under Section 29 of the BIS Act.
Note: Applicants or firms that meet any of these conditions are
ineligible to apply for recognition until all charges are cleared. If convicted under Section 29 of
the Act, the applicant or firm will not be eligible for recognition for one year from the date of
conviction.
Guidelines for Establishing On-Site Centres by BIS-Recognized Hallmarking Centres
Here are the essential guidelines for setting up an On-Site Centre (OSC) by BIS-recognized Hallmarking
Centres (HCs):
- Location and Limits: An HC can establish an OSC in any district, provided that no
more than five OSCs are attached to a single AHC. Additionally, the OSC must be within 100 km of
the parent AHC. AHCs processing at least 500 articles daily must set up an OSC or HC in an area
without existing coverage.
- Facility Requirements: The OSC should have all necessary facilities similar to
those of an HC, except for fire assay equipment. It will perform all hallmarking functions for
gold jewelry as per BIS standards, excluding fire assay.
- Application for Permission: Once arrangements are complete, the AHC must apply to
the BIS Regional Office for permission to operate the OSC. This application must include
detailed information about the setup, as well as the process for sending samples from the OSC to
the HC and receiving assay reports and test remnants.
- Submission Process: Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format through
the BIS portal.
- Personnel Requirements: The OSC must employ testing staff, including a Quality
Manager, similar to those required for an HC, except for those handling fire assays. The manager
of the parent HC will oversee quality at both the OSC and HC.
- Regional Jurisdiction: If the OSC is in a different region from the HC, the
application must be submitted to the BIS Regional Office with jurisdiction over the HC’s
location.
- Testing Equipment: The OSC must be equipped with all necessary testing equipment
except for those used in fire assay.
- Regional Office Responsibilities: Verify the HC’s performance and readiness in
terms of manpower and infrastructure for fire assays.
Process the application within three days of receiving the audit report, provided the HC
addresses any issues noted in the report.
Conduct audits at both the OSC and the parent HC to ensure compliance with BIS criteria for
recognition.
- Operational Compliance: The BIS has the authority to suspend or halt OSC operations
if it fails to meet standards, though the parent HC will have an opportunity to address any
issues before termination of the OSC’s recognition.
- Reporting and Renewal: The HC must include OSC-specific details in their reports to
the BIS. There is no renewal fee for the OSC; its recognition is renewed along with the parent
HC’s recognition.
- Impact of HC Status:If the parent HC’s recognition is withdrawn or suspended, the
OSC’s permission will also be automatically revoked.
- Responsibility for Violations: The parent HC is responsible for addressing any
violations of hallmarking norms at the OSC as if the violations occurred at the parent HC
itself.
- Fees: No application or recognition fees are required for establishing an OSC.
Contact SeaRoot for HC Recognition
Obtaining recognition for Hallmarking Centre (HC) involves extensive paperwork and field-specific
expertise. At SeaRoot, we offer comprehensive support to simplify this process for you.
- We manage all the
paperwork required for HC recognition.
- We assist in filling
your application efficiently.
- We handle regular
follow-ups with the Bureau of Indian Standards.
- We provide thorough
support throughout the entire process, ensuring a smooth experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is a Hallmarking Centre?
A Hallmarking Centre is a facility recognized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to test and
hallmark gold jewelry, verifying its purity and quality.
2. Why is Hallmarking Centre recognition important?
Recognition ensures that the Hallmarking Centre meets the BIS standards for purity testing and
hallmarking, which builds consumer trust and complies with legal requirements.
3.Is Hallmark Compulsary?
4.Are there any fees for Hallmarking Centre recognition?
There are typically application and recognition fees. Check with BIS or your consultant for
specific details on the costs involved.
5.How often do I need to renew my Hallmarking Centre recognition?
Recognition is usually valid for a set period, after which it needs to be renewed. Ensure timely
renewal to avoid disruptions in your hallmarking operations.
