Summary:
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has rolled out voluntary Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID)-based hallmarking for silver jewellery across India, effective September 1, 2025. Modeled on the gold hallmarking framework, the initiative aims to enhance consumer confidence by offering traceable verification of purity and authenticity.
What’s New in Silver Hallmarking?
The updated standard, IS 2112:2025, replaces IS 2112:2014 and introduces a digitally traceable hallmarking system for silver. Each hallmarked silver item will now carry:
- A unique HUID code
- The purity grade
- The BIS Standard Mark with the word SILVER
Consumers can verify details such as item type, purity, hallmarking date, credentials of the Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC), and jeweller’s registration number through the BIS Care App, ensuring transparency and authenticity.
Seven Purity Grades for Silver
For the first time, silver hallmarking now has seven defined purity grades:
800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990, and 999
Notably, 958 and 999 have been added under the new framework, replacing the earlier four-symbol hallmark system that included assay and manufacturer identifiers. This simplification aligns silver hallmarking with gold standards and improves consumer clarity.
Nationwide Infrastructure and Industry Readiness
- 230 Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) are currently certified by BIS, spread across 87 districts.
- In FY 2024-25, more than 3.2 million silver articles were hallmarked under the older system.
- Ahead of the rollout, BIS conducted a stakeholder meeting on August 7, 2025, with over 80 representatives from the jewellery trade, consumer groups, and regulators.
- Awareness campaigns have also been launched nationwide via BIS branch offices and social media.
Benefits for Consumers
The new system is designed to:
- Protect consumer rights by offering verified purity.
- Deter fraud in the silver jewellery market.
- Provide easy digital verification via the BIS Care App.
- Increase trust and transparency in the silver trade.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are provided as examples and should not be considered as recommendations. Nothing contained herein constitutes personal financial advice or investment recommendations. Readers are advised to conduct their own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Investments in securities markets are subject to market risks. Please read all related documents carefully before investing.