Since the mandatory rollout of Bureau of Indian Standards hallmarking across India, every piece of gold jewellery sold by licensed jewellers must carry a six-digit alphanumeric HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) code. This code is stamped or laser-engraved on the jewellery and links it to a national database maintained by BIS.
What the Hallmark Contains
A fully compliant BIS hallmark contains four elements: the BIS logo (a triangle with the letters BIS), the purity marking (916 for 22K, 750 for 18K, 999 for 24K), the assaying and hallmarking centre's mark, and the six-digit HUID code. The HUID replaced the earlier year-of-marking code from 2021 onward.
How to Verify HUID
Download the BIS Care app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Open the app and tap "Verify HUID". Enter the six-digit code printed on your jewellery. The app will display the jeweller's name, assaying centre, purity, and date of hallmarking. If the code returns no result or shows a different purity than what you were told, contact BIS directly at 1800-11-4000.
What If Your Jeweller Cannot Provide Hallmarked Gold?
From April 2023, selling non-hallmarked gold jewellery is a punishable offence under the BIS Act. If a jeweller insists on selling without hallmarking, you should decline and report the matter to BIS. Consumers can file complaints at the BIS website or through the BIS Care app directly.