Centre notifies third phase of mandatory hallmarking from September 8, 2023

Source: The post is based on the article “Centre notifies third phase of mandatory hallmarking from September 8, 2023” published in PIB on 9th September 2023

What is the News?

The third phase of the mandatory hallmarking vide Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts (Third Amendment) Order, 2023 comes into force from September 8, 2023.

The third phase will cover an additional 55 new districts under the mandatory hallmarking system.

What is Hallmarking?

Hallmarking is the accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in precious metal articles. 

Hallmarks are thus official marks used in many countries as a guarantee of purity or fineness of precious metal articles. 

The principle objectives of the Hallmarking Scheme are to protect the public against adulteration and to obligate manufacturers to maintain legal standards of fineness. 

In India, at present two precious metals namely gold and silver have been brought under the purview of Hallmarking.

What is the Hallmarking scheme?

Under the Hallmarking scheme of Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS), Jewellers are registered for selling hallmarked jewellery and recognised testing and hallmarking centers.

Aim: To protect consumers against victimization due to irregular gold or silver quality, develop India as a leading gold market center in the World and develop export competitiveness.

Mandatory Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery:

Mandatory Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery has come into force from June,2021. 

In the first phase, mandatory hallmarking was implemented in 256 districts of the country with effect from 23 June 2021 and in the second phase additional 32 districts were covered.