How to Check Gold Purity Using BIS Hallmark
Buying gold jewellery in India is a tradition, but how do you ensure the gold you’re buying is pure? The answer lies in the BIS Hallmark — a government-backed certification that guarantees the purity of your gold. With mandatory hallmarking now in effect across India, every gold buyer should know how to read and verify these markings. Here’s your complete guide.
What Is BIS Hallmarking?
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards — the national body responsible for standardisation in India. BIS Hallmarking is a purity certification for gold jewellery and artefacts. When gold is hallmarked, it means the item has been tested at a BIS-recognised assaying centre and its purity has been verified and stamped. Since June 2021, hallmarking has been made mandatory for gold jewellery sold in India.
How to Read the BIS Hallmark
The new HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification Number) system, introduced in July 2021, has simplified the hallmark to just three marks:
1. BIS Logo
A triangular logo of the Bureau of Indian Standards. This confirms the item has been tested by a BIS-recognised centre.
2. Purity Grade
A number indicating the fineness (purity) of the gold:
- 999: 24 Karat — 99.9% pure gold
- 958: 23 Karat — 95.8% pure gold
- 916: 22 Karat — 91.6% pure gold (most common for jewellery)
- 875: 21 Karat — 87.5% pure gold
- 750: 18 Karat — 75.0% pure gold
- 585: 14 Karat — 58.5% pure gold
Most Indian gold jewellery is 22 Karat (916), which offers a good balance of purity and durability.
3. HUID Number
A 6-digit alphanumeric code unique to each piece of jewellery. This is the game-changer — the HUID links every hallmarked item to a national database, making it traceable and virtually impossible to fake.
How to Verify Gold Purity Using HUID
Step 1: Locate the Hallmark
Look for the hallmark stamped on the inner surface of your gold jewellery — inside a ring band, on the clasp of a necklace, or on the back of a pendant. You may need a magnifying glass to read the tiny engravings clearly.
Step 2: Download the BIS Care App
The BIS Care app is available for free on both Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store). This is the official app from the Bureau of Indian Standards for verifying hallmarked gold.
Step 3: Enter the HUID Number
Open the app, go to the “Verify HUID” section, and type in the 6-digit alphanumeric HUID code from your jewellery. The app will show you the item’s purity, the jeweller’s name and address, the assaying centre that tested it, and the date of hallmarking.
Step 4: Cross-Check Details
Verify that the purity shown in the app matches what the jeweller told you and what’s on your invoice. Also confirm the jeweller’s details match the shop you purchased from. Any mismatch is a red flag.
What If Your Gold Is Not Hallmarked?
If you have older gold jewellery without hallmark, you can get it tested at any BIS-recognised assaying and hallmarking centre. There are over 1,200 such centres across India. The cost of hallmarking is typically Rs 35-45 per article. You can find the nearest centre on the BIS website (bis.gov.in).
Common Gold Buying Mistakes to Avoid
- Trusting verbal claims: Always check the hallmark yourself — don’t rely on the jeweller’s word alone.
- Ignoring the invoice: Your invoice should clearly mention the purity (karat), weight, and HUID number.
- Buying from unregistered jewellers: Only BIS-registered jewellers can sell hallmarked gold. Check registration on the BIS website.
- Confusing karat with carat: Karat measures gold purity; carat measures gemstone weight. They’re different!
What to Do If You Find Fake or Impure Gold
If your HUID verification shows a mismatch or if you suspect impurity, you have recourse. First, contact the jeweller with your invoice and request an explanation. If unresolved, file a complaint on the BIS website or the National Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000). BIS regularly conducts raids on jewellers selling impure or unhallmarked gold. Penalties include fines of up to Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment of up to 1 year under the BIS Act.
Why Purity Matters for Gold as Investment
If you’re buying gold as an investment, purity directly affects resale value. Impure gold fetches a lower price when you sell. This is one reason many investors prefer digital gold (which is always 24K, 99.99% pure) over physical jewellery. With digital gold, you never have to worry about purity tests, making charges, or hallmark verification.
Hallmarking for Gold Coins and Bars
Hallmarking is not limited to jewellery. Gold coins and bars sold in India must also carry the BIS hallmark with HUID. When buying gold coins for investment, always check for the hallmark stamp and verify the HUID on the BIS Care app. Coins from banks and authorised dealers like MMTC-PAMP come pre-hallmarked with certificates of purity, making verification straightforward.
Invest in Guaranteed-Pure Gold with Bachatt
Want gold investment without purity worries? Bachatt offers 24K, 99.99% pure digital gold backed by MMTC-PAMP. Every milligram is stored in insured vaults and verified for purity. No hallmark checking needed — just pure gold, always.
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