How to Get BIS Hallmark Registration for Gold and Silver Jewellery in India: Process, Documents, and Requirements (2026 Guide)

Introduction

For every jeweller manufacturing, selling, or exporting gold or silver ornaments in India in 2026, BIS hallmark registration for gold and silver jewellery in India has become a non-negotiable operational requirement under the BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations, 2018 framed under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts was launched in Phase-I on 16 June 2021 covering 256 districts; phased expansion through 2022, 2023, and beyond has progressively brought additional districts into the mandatory hallmarking framework administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

With the introduction of the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number (mandatory from 1 April 2023 for all hallmarked gold jewellery), the introduction of the BIS CARE App for consumer verification, and the BIS portal-driven digital registration and compliance ecosystem, hallmark certification in India has evolved into one of the most consumer-facing and digitally enforced certification regimes in the country.

This guide provides a focused, practical overview of the BIS hallmarking process specifically for gold and silver hallmark registration in India, document requirements, fee structure, HUID system, silver-specific considerations, and ongoing jewellery hallmark compliance obligations. The objective is to make BIS hallmark registration practical and predictable for jewellers, retailers, exporters, and the consultants supporting them.

What is BIS Hallmark Registration?

BIS hallmark registration is the registration granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that authorises a jeweller to sell hallmarked gold jewellery and participate in the BIS hallmarking ecosystem through recognised Assaying and Hallmarking (A&H) Centres. Registered jewellers can submit jewellery for purity testing, HUID generation, and hallmarking before sale.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why BIS Hallmark Registration for Gold and Silver Jewellery in India Matters in 2026
• The Regulatory Framework for Jewellery Hallmarking
• How to Apply for BIS Hallmark Registration for Jewellers
• BIS Hallmark Documents Required for Gold and Silver Jewellery in India
• BIS Hallmark Fees and Renewal Process for Jewellers
• HUID System and Four-Component Hallmark Mark
• Silver Jewellery Hallmark Registration Process in India
• Common Mistakes and Compliance Best Practices
• Conclusion

1. Why BIS Hallmark Registration for Gold and Silver Jewellery in India Matters in 2026

Five structural drivers have made BIS registration for jewellers a mission-critical compliance obligation in 2026 rather than a discretionary marketing choice.

1.1 The Legal Mandate Is Absolute for Gold Jewellery

Following the mandatory hallmarking notification effective 16 June 2021 covering 256 districts in Phase-I, with subsequent expansion through Phase-II, Phase-III, and Phase-IV, no jeweller can sell unhallmarked gold jewellery in notified districts without completing the applicable gold hallmark registration in India requirements.

Operating without the required BIS hallmark registration or selling non-hallmarked jewellery in notified districts may attract enforcement action under section 29 of the BIS Act, 2016. Penalties can include seizure of non-compliant jewellery, prosecution, imprisonment, and fines ranging from a minimum of INR 1 lakh to as much as five times the value of the goods involved, depending on the nature of the violation.

1.2 HUID Has Made Compliance Digitally Verifiable

The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number - a six-character alphanumeric code unique to each piece of hallmarked jewellery, mandatory from 1 April 2023 - has made hallmark compliance externally verifiable by any consumer through the BIS CARE App. Each hallmarked piece is registered in the BIS database with its HUID, jeweller code, A&H Centre code, and purity grade. Consumer empowerment has been substantially elevated; jeweller compliance shortcuts have become technologically infeasible.

1.3 Consumer Trust and Brand Differentiation

Indian jewellery consumers increasingly verify hallmarks before purchase - using the BIS CARE App for HUID verification, checking the four-mark hallmark display, and rejecting unhallmarked or inadequately marked pieces. Hallmark-compliant jewellers command consumer trust and premium positioning; non-compliant jewellers face increasing customer attrition. The consumer-driven enforcement complements regulatory enforcement and has materially raised the cost of non-compliance.

1.4 Export Market Requirements

Indian gold and silver jewellery exports - serving major markets in the United States, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and elsewhere - increasingly require BIS hallmark compliance as a baseline supplier credibility signal. Major international jewellery buyers and retail chains audit Indian jewellery suppliers on hallmark compliance status. The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) supports export-oriented hallmark compliance. Export-aspiring jewellers without robust hallmark compliance face progressive de-prioritisation in international supplier qualification.

1.5 Bank and Financial Institution Requirements

Banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) providing gold loans, jewellery insurance, and inventory financing increasingly require BIS hallmark compliance as a pre-condition for collateral acceptance. The Reserve Bank of India guidelines on gold loans support hallmark-compliant gold valuation. Hallmark-compliant jewellers access financial services more efficiently; non-compliant jewellers face friction in credit access, insurance coverage, and inventory financing.

2. The Regulatory Framework for Jewellery Hallmarking

Understanding the layered regulatory architecture is the foundation of efficient registration and ongoing compliance.

2.1 The Statutory Stack

Instrument	Year	Scope
Bureau of Indian Standards Act	2016	Parent statute; replaced BIS Act 1986
BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations	2018	Operational regulations for hallmarking
IS 1417:2016	2016	Indian Standard - Fineness for gold jewellery and artefacts
IS 2112:2025	2025	Indian Standard - Silver jewellery and artefacts
Ministry of Consumer Affairs Notifications and BIS Circulars	Various	Implementation notifications and phase rollouts

2.2 Permitted Gold Purity Grades

Under IS 1417:2016, gold jewellery may be hallmarked at six purity grades: 24K999 (24 carat / 99.9 percent gold); 23K958 (23 carat / 95.8 percent); 22K916 (22 carat / 91.6 percent, most common in Indian market); 20K833 (20 carat / 83.3 percent); 18K750 (18 carat / 75.0 percent); 14K585 (14 carat / 58.5 percent). The purity grade marked on the jewellery must match the actual measured fineness within the prescribed tolerance. Selling jewellery marked at a higher purity than actual measurement is a serious violation attracting penalties under the BIS Act 2016.

2.3 The BIS Authority Structure

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), established under the BIS Act 2016, operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. The hallmarking framework operates through: BIS headquarters in New Delhi providing policy and operational oversight; BIS Regional Offices conducting jurisdictional functions; recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (A&H Centres) conducting actual purity testing and hallmark marking; the BIS portal at manakonline.in providing the digital interface for jeweller registration, A&H Centre recognition, and ongoing compliance; the BIS CARE App for consumer verification of HUID-marked jewellery.

3. How to Apply for BIS Hallmark Registration for Jewellers

The end-to-end BIS hallmark registration process operates through the BIS Manak online portal at manakonline.in and follows a structured workflow.

3.1 The Application Workflow

Step	Activity	Typical Timeline*
1	Portal Account Creation – Create an account on the Manak Online portal using business and contact details.	Same day
2	Application Submission – Select the jeweller registration service and enter business information, including entity details, GST information, and premises details.	Same day
3	Application Review – Verify the information entered and submit the online application through the BIS portal.	Same day
4	BIS Processing – BIS processes the application and may seek clarification or additional information, if required.	Usually immediate to a few working days
5	Registration Certificate Issuance – BIS issues the jeweller registration certificate and unique registration number.	Typically instant upon successful processing
6	Commencement of Hallmarking Operations – Submit jewellery to BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking (A&H) Centres for assaying, HUID generation, and hallmarking.	As required by the jeweller

*Timelines are indicative and may vary based on portal processing, completeness of information provided, and any clarification sought by BIS.

3.2 Step-by-Step Application Detail

Step 1 – Access the BIS Portal

Visit the Manak Online portal and create a jeweller account using the required business and contact details.

Step 2 – Apply for Jeweller Registration

Select the service for BIS hallmark registration for gold and silver jewellery in India and enter the business information, including the legal entity name, business constitution, GST details, and premises information.

Step 3 – Submit the Online Application

Review the information provided and submit the application through the portal. Ensure all business details are accurate and up to date.

Step 4 – Registration Processing by BIS

BIS processes the application through its online system. Applicants may be required to provide additional information if requested by BIS.

Step 5 – Receive Registration Certificate

Upon approval, BIS issues a BIS registration for jewellers along with a unique registration number. The registration enables the jeweller to participate in the BIS hallmarking process through BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking (A&H) Centres.

Step 6 – Commence Hallmarking Operations

The jeweller can submit jewellery articles to BIS-recognised A&H Centres for purity testing, HUID generation, and hallmarking before sale in accordance with jewellery hallmark compliance requirements.

3.3 Multi-Outlet and Branch Registration

Jewellers operating multiple outlets must declare all retail outlets and manufacturing premises in the application. The primary registration covers the legal entity; each outlet is captured under the same jeweller code with separate premises listing. New outlets added after registration require amendment of the existing registration with updated premises details. Multi-state operations remain under a single jeweller registration with all-state premises consolidated in the application.

3.4 Registration Validity and Renewal

Registration remains valid for life, subject to continued compliance with BIS hallmarking regulations. Non-compliance may result in enforcement action, suspension, or cancellation of registration under applicable provisions of the BIS Act, 2016.

4. BIS Hallmark Documents Required for Gold and Silver Jewellery in India

Document discipline is the most common cause of avoidable delay. The working baseline list below covers documents required for jeweller hallmark registration.

4.1 Business Information

• PAN
• GST details
• Entity registration documents

4.2 Premises and Location Documents

• Business address details
• Ownership or occupancy proof (where applicable)

4.3 Authorised Signatory Documents

• Identity proof
• Authorisation documents (where applicable)

4.4 Document Best Practices

Three operational disciplines materially improve first-pass approval success. Consistency verification across documents - jeweller name, address, PAN, and signatory details must appear identically across all documents and portal entries. Currency verification - all documents should be current and not expired; GST registration, Shops and Establishments licence, and address proofs should reflect the latest status. Premises evidence quality - clear photographs and layout drawings showing the actual jewellery business reduce inspection scope and accelerate verification.

5. BIS Hallmark Fees and Renewal Process for Jewellers

Fees associated with BIS hallmark registration primarily relate to hallmarking services and ongoing compliance obligations.

5.1 Application Fees and Annual Fees

Under the current BIS hallmarking framework, jewellers applying for BIS hallmark registration for gold and silver jewellery in India are not required to pay any registration fee. BIS grants registration through the Manak Online portal, and the registration certificate is issued without application or annual charges. Applicants should verify the latest requirements on the BIS portal before submission, as regulatory provisions may be updated from time to time.

5.2 Hallmarking Service Charges

Although BIS registration for jewellers is granted without registration fees, jewellers must pay hallmarking charges to BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking (A&H) Centres. These charges cover purity testing, HUID generation, and application of the BIS hallmark on each jewellery item. Hallmarking fees are determined by the A&H Centre in accordance with applicable BIS guidelines and are separate from the jeweller registration process.

5.3 Registration Validity and Compliance Requirements

Under the current BIS hallmark registration system, the registration certificate remains valid for the lifetime of the business and does not require periodic renewal. However, jewellers must continue to comply with all applicable BIS hallmarking regulations, including the sale of hallmarked jewellery where mandatory, maintenance of records, and adherence to consumer protection requirements. Any significant changes in business details should be updated through the designated BIS portal.

5.4 Penalties for Late Renewal or Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with jewellery hallmark compliance requirements may attract penalties under the BIS Act, 2016. Violations such as selling non-hallmarked jewellery in mandatory hallmarking areas, misuse of the BIS hallmark, false purity claims, or other breaches of the BIS hallmarking process can result in monetary penalties, suspension of registration privileges, product seizure, and prosecution as prescribed under applicable law. Jewellers should maintain continuous compliance to avoid regulatory and reputational risks.

6. HUID System and Four-Component Hallmark Mark

Since 1 April 2023, all hallmarked gold jewellery sold in India must carry the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number - one of the most significant compliance changes since mandatory hallmarking was introduced.

6.1 The Four-Component Hallmark

Hallmarked gold jewellery carries four distinct marks on each piece.

Component 1 - BIS standard mark (the BIS logo), confirming the piece has been hallmarked under the official BIS framework.

Component 2 - purity grade in karat-fineness format (for example, 22K916 for 22 carat / 91.6 percent fineness; 18K750 for 18 carat / 75.0 percent fineness).

Component 3 - Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (A&H Centre) identification, indicating which recognised A&H Centre conducted the assaying and marking.

Component 4 - the six-character alphanumeric HUID number unique to the specific piece. Together, these four marks provide complete identification and traceability of each hallmarked piece.

6.2 The HUID Number Mechanics

The HUID is a six-character alphanumeric code generated through the BIS portal at the time of hallmarking. Each piece receives a unique HUID linked in the BIS database to the jeweller, the A&H Centre, the purity grade, the date of hallmarking, and basic piece description. The HUID enables: consumer verification through the BIS CARE App by entering the HUID code to confirm authenticity; jeweller traceability of each piece sold; regulatory enforcement through portal-based identification of any non-compliant piece. The HUID-based system represents an advanced jewellery hallmarking traceability frameworks globally.

6.3 BIS CARE App for Consumer Verification

The BIS CARE App, available for Android and iOS devices, enables consumers to verify hallmarked jewellery before purchase. Consumers enter the HUID number from the hallmark; the app retrieves the matching record from the BIS database showing the jeweller name, A&H Centre, purity grade, and hallmarking date. Mismatches or non-existent HUIDs immediately surface counterfeit or improperly marked jewellery. The consumer-facing verification capability has substantially raised the cost of hallmark non-compliance and elevated consumer trust in compliant jewellery.

6.4 Practical Implications for Jewellers

The HUID system requires jewellers to coordinate closely with A&H Centres for each batch of jewellery hallmarked. Each piece undergoes assaying at the A&H Centre; the HUID is generated for each piece; the four marks are physically applied (typically by laser marking); and the piece is returned to the jeweller for sale. Inventory management must track HUID-marked stock separately from unmarked or pending-hallmarking stock. Customer billing typically includes HUID reference for warranty and consumer protection purposes. Online and e-commerce sales increasingly require HUID disclosure as a consumer-trust signal.

7. Silver Jewellery Hallmark Registration Process in India

Silver jewellery hallmarking in India operates under a different framework from gold hallmark registration in India, specifically, silver hallmark registration in India remains voluntary rather than mandatory, but is increasingly adopted for consumer trust and export market positioning.

7.1 Voluntary vs Mandatory Status

Unlike gold jewellery hallmarking (mandatory in notified districts since 16 June 2021), silver jewellery hallmarking remains voluntary under the current BIS framework. Jewellers may opt to hallmark silver jewellery for consumer trust and brand differentiation but are not legally required to do so. The voluntary status may evolve over time as the Government considers extension of mandatory hallmarking to silver - jewellers should monitor BIS notifications and plan compliance infrastructure that can accommodate potential future mandatory status.

7.2 IS 2112:2025 - The Silver Standard

IS 2112:2025 (with subsequent amendments) provides the Indian Standard for silver jewellery and artefacts. The standard specifies six permitted silver purity grades: 999 (99.9 percent silver, fine silver); 970 (97.0 percent); 925 (92.5 percent, sterling silver, most common in jewellery); 900 (90.0 percent); 835 (83.5 percent); 800 (80.0 percent). The hallmark on silver jewellery specifies the purity grade alongside the BIS logo, A&H Centre identification, and (where applicable) HUID.

7.3 The Silver Registration Process

Jewellers opting to hallmark silver jewellery follow a substantially similar registration process to gold hallmark registration through the BIS Manak portal. The same Form-V is used with silver category selection; documents required are similar to gold registration with silver-specific declarations; fees structure is comparable; A&H Centre engagement is similar with silver-specific assaying. Many jewellers operating both gold and silver business opt for combined registration covering both categories - simplifying compliance overhead.

7.4 The Commercial Case for Voluntary Silver Hallmarking

Despite voluntary status, several commercial drivers support silver hallmark adoption. Consumer trust premium - hallmarked silver typically commands 5-15 percent retail price premium versus unmarked equivalent purity. Export differentiation - international buyers prefer hallmark-compliant silver suppliers, particularly for the United States, European, and Middle East markets.

Brand positioning - hallmark compliance signals quality discipline and consumer protection commitment. Inventory financing - some lenders prefer hallmarked silver collateral. The cumulative commercial benefit typically exceeds the modest compliance overhead, making voluntary silver hallmarking economically attractive for serious silver jewellers.

8. Common Mistakes and Compliance Best Practices

The mistakes below are the recurring patterns that produce penalty proceedings, registration delays, or HUID mismatches. Each is paired with the corresponding best practice.

8.1 Continuing Sales Without Valid Registration

Selling gold jewellery in notified districts without valid BIS hallmark registration is the most consequential failure - attracting BIS Act 2016 penalties including fines, prosecution, and confiscation of inventory.

Best practice: complete registration before opening any new retail outlet; track district-wise mandatory hallmarking notifications as the framework expands.

8.2 Purity Misrepresentation

Selling jewellery marked at a higher purity than actual measured fineness is treated as serious misrepresentation under the BIS Act 2016 - attracting penalties significantly higher than basic non-registration.

Best practice: rigorous A&H Centre testing for every batch; conservative purity declaration where measurement is borderline; quality control protocols verifying purity claims before sale; consumer-grievance handling protocols for any disputed purity claims.

8.3 HUID Mismatches and Database Errors

HUID database mismatches - where the HUID marked on the piece does not match the BIS database record - surface during consumer BIS CARE App verification and trigger investigation.

Best practice: strict A&H Centre coordination ensuring HUID generation and physical marking are aligned; inventory management linking HUID to physical piece tracking; immediate reporting of any HUID anomalies to BIS for resolution.

8.4 Multi-Outlet Compliance Gaps

Jewellers operating multiple outlets sometimes fail to update registration when new outlets are opened or premises are changed - creating compliance gaps that surface during BIS inspection.

Best practice: update registration details promptly whenever business premises or operational details change; centralised compliance tracking across all outlets; periodic internal audits verifying registration currency against active outlets.

8.5 Inadequate Display of Registration Certificate

BIS hallmark registration certificate must be prominently displayed at each retail outlet for consumer and inspector visibility.

Best practice: framed display of valid registration certificate at each outlet, with the jeweller code clearly visible; staff training on hallmark display and consumer query handling; consumer information about the four-component hallmark and BIS CARE App verification.

8.6 Weak Customer Grievance Handling

Customer grievances about purity, marking, or hallmark compliance can escalate to BIS regulatory complaints if not handled promptly.

Best practice: documented customer grievance handling procedures; immediate response protocols for purity disputes including independent re-testing where required; transparent communication with customers about hallmarking and verification; resolution within prescribed timelines under consumer protection framework.

How IMARC Engineering Supports BIS Hallmark Registration for Jewellers

IMARC Engineering supports jewellers across the complete BIS hallmark registration lifecycle, from initial registration through ongoing compliance management. Our team assists with application preparation and filing on the BIS Manak Online portal, document review and verification, multi-outlet registration planning, and coordination with BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking (A&H) Centres. We also help jewellers understand HUID requirements, implement compliance processes for gold and silver jewellery hallmarking, manage registration amendments for new outlets or business changes, and address regulatory queries. Whether you are a first-time jeweller seeking BIS hallmark registration, an established retailer expanding across multiple locations, or an export-oriented jewellery business strengthening compliance systems, IMARC Engineering provides practical support to help ensure smooth registration, regulatory compliance, and uninterrupted hallmarking operations.

Conclusion

BIS hallmark registration for gold and silver jewellery in India has evolved into one of the most consumer-facing and digitally enforced certification regimes in the country, anchored in the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 2016, the BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations 2018, IS 1417:2016 for gold purity, and IS 2112:2025 for silver. The mandatory hallmarking framework launched on 16 June 2021 with phased expansion, the HUID system effective from 1 April 2023, and the consumer-facing BIS CARE App for HUID verification have collectively raised the operational stakes of compliance materially.

Jewellery hallmark compliance is no longer a discretionary marketing choice but a business-critical operational obligation, with non-compliance attracting penalties, prosecution under the BIS Act 2016, and confiscation of non-compliant inventory.

Three closing reminders. First, complete registration before commencing sales in any notified district - the legal mandate is absolute, and operating without registration is materially more expensive than compliance. Second, maintain HUID-database alignment through structured A&H Centre coordination - HUID mismatches surface immediately through consumer BIS CARE App verification and trigger investigation.

Third, treat ongoing compliance as a discipline rather than a checkbox - registration currency, multi-outlet updates, customer grievance handling, and consumer-facing hallmark education collectively determine inspection outcomes and consumer trust.