What is the New Digital Hallmarking for Silver Jewellery?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Digital hallmarking ensures authenticity of silver jewellery.
- Each item will have a unique HUID code.
- Consumers can verify details using the BIS Care app.
- New purity grades enhance product options.
- Initiative aims to increase market transparency.
New Delhi, Sep 4 (NationPress) The government has officially rolled out voluntary hallmarking for silver jewellery and related articles starting from September 1. This innovative system employs a digital identification mechanism to guarantee that consumers receive authentic and pure silver products.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has updated its hallmarking regulations by releasing IS 2112:2025, superseding the previous IS 2112:2014 standard.
The new guidelines introduce the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) for silver jewellery, akin to what is available for gold items. This means that each silver product will have a distinct code that consumers can verify digitally.
By utilizing the BIS Care mobile application, customers can confirm essential details including the type of item, purity level, hallmarking date, testing location, and jeweller’s registration number.
This initiative aims to enhance transparency and mitigate fraud within the silver market.
The revised standards now encompass seven purity grades -- 800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990, and 999, with 958 and 999 being introduced for the first time.
The hallmark will consist of three components: the BIS Standard Mark featuring the word 'SILVER', the purity grade, and the HUID code.
Currently, there are approximately 230 BIS-recognized assaying and hallmarking centers for silver spread across 87 districts in India.
In the 2024-25 period, over 32 lakh silver articles were hallmarked under the previous standard, which included six purity grades and a four-part hallmark system.
BIS officials indicated that these updates were finalized following discussions with jewellers, testing centers, and consumers on August 7.
The bureau has also initiated awareness campaigns via its branch offices and social media platforms to educate the public about this new system.
The government anticipates that digital hallmarking will safeguard consumer rights and enhance the safety and reliability of silver jewellery transactions.