What Is a BIS hallmark?

The BIS hallmark is a certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), a national standards body in India. It signifies that a product — in this case, gold jewellery or coins — meets the standards set by the BIS regarding purity and fineness of the precious metal.


For gold, the BIS hallmark gold assures buyers of the gold's purity, measured in carats or fineness, and provides a guarantee of quality. Consumers can rely on the BIS hallmark as a mark of trust and authenticity when purchasing gold items in India.

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Key takeaways

  • BIS hallmark confirms that gold jewellery meets the required purity standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
  • Hallmarked gold carries details such as the BIS logo, purity mark, HUID and jeweller identification mark.
  • Common purity marks include 999 for 24K, 916 for 22K and 750 for 18K gold.
  • You can verify the HUID number using the BIS CARE app to check hallmark details.
  • Checking the hallmark helps you verify gold purity before buying, selling or using your gold as collateral.

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Why is the BIS hallmark important?

The BIS hallmark on gold helps buyers verify that the gold they purchase is genuine and matches its stated purity. Since the certification is based on independent testing rather than the seller's claim, it improves trust and reduces the risk of buying under-purity gold.


Key benefits include:


  • Verified purity: Confirms the gold matches its declared karat and fineness.
  • Buyer protection: Reduces the risk of fraud or incorrect purity claims.
  • Better valuation: Makes gold easier to value for resale or a gold loan.
  • Greater transparency: Supports fair and standardised gold transactions across India.

Pro tip: If you own BIS hallmarked gold,  check your gold loan eligibility to see how much you may be able to borrow against your jewellery, ornaments or coins.


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History of BIS hallmarking in India

The BIS hallmark in gold was introduced in India in 2000 to help customers verify the purity of gold jewellery. It provides a standard way to identify the quality of gold and reduces the risk of buying jewellery with lower-than-stated purity.


Over the years, the hallmarking system has become more detailed. In 2021, mandatory hallmarking was introduced in phases, along with the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) system. Hallmarked gold jewellery now carries key details such as the BIS logo, purity mark and HUID.


For customers, checking the BIS Hallmark in gold is a simple way to confirm the stated purity before buying, selling or valuing gold jewellery.


Quick tip: As gold prices continue to shift with global movements, staying informed can give you an advantage. Check your gold loan eligibility today and find out how much you can borrow.

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How can you identify a BIS hallmark?

A BIS hallmarked gold item contains four mandatory identifiers that confirm its authenticity.


These include:


  • BIS logo
  • Purity or fineness mark (such as 999, 916 or 750)
  • HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification Number)
  • Jeweller's identification mark

These markings are usually stamped on the inside or back of the jewellery.


What is HUID in BIS hallmark?

The Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID) is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code assigned to every BIS hallmarked gold jewellery item. The HUID improves traceability by allowing buyers to verify the authenticity of their jewellery. Every hallmarked item has a different HUID, making it easier to identify genuine gold.


A BIS hallmark generally includes:


  • BIS logo
  • Purity and fineness mark
  • HUID code

  • Jeweller's identification mark




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How can you verify a BIS hallmark?

You can verify the authenticity of hallmarked jewellery through the BIS CARE mobile application.


Follow these steps:


  • Download the BIS CARE app.
  • Open the app and select Verify HUID.
  • Enter the HUID printed on the jewellery.
  • View details such as purity, jeweller information and hallmarking records.

Verifying the HUID helps confirm that your jewellery is genuinely BIS hallmarked.


BIS hallmark gold purity grades explained

The purity number stamped on a BIS hallmark tells you how much pure gold the jewellery contains.


Purity GradeKaratGold PurityCommon Use
99924K99.9%Gold bars and coins
91622K91.6%Traditional gold jewellery
75018K75%Diamond and designer jewellery

Understanding these grades helps you choose the right gold based on your investment or jewellery needs.


Quick tip: Since hallmarked gold assures purity and value, check your gold loan eligibility today and unlock its full financial potential.

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How does the BIS hallmark support gold loans?

Lenders primarily assess the weight and purity of your gold when determining your eligible loan amount. Since BIS hallmarked jewellery has verified purity, it helps simplify the valuation process and gives greater confidence during assessment.


If you plan to pledge your jewellery, checking today's gold rate and confirming the BIS hallmark can help you better estimate its value before applying for a gold loan.


Gold loan basics: What you should know before applying

With Bajaj Finance, you can borrow from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 2 crore against your gold jewellery, ornaments, and gold coins. The gold loan interest rate starts from 9.50% per annum.


Jewellery and ornaments are accepted between 18-22 karat purity. Gold coins are accepted up to 24 karat purity. Your gold is stored in secure vaults with insurance cover for the entire loan duration.


A few things worth knowing before you apply:


  • Your loan amount is based on the weight and purity of your gold, not what you originally paid for it
  • Bajaj Finance uses the lower of the previous day's closing price or the 30-day average closing price published by IBJA or a SEBI-regulated commodity exchange
  • Only one valid KYC document is required: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, passport, driving licence, NREGA job card, or a letter from the NPR
  • You can repay interest monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually, with the principal settled at the end of the tenure
  • There are no foreclosure charges. You can easily close the loan early without any penalty

Before applying, use the gold loan calculator to estimate your eligible amount, or check your gold loan eligibility online to understand your borrowing capacity based on the purity, and weight of your gold.


 Ready to unlock the value of your gold? Apply for Bajaj Finance Gold Loan today.

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Frequently asked questions

Hallmark Rule

Gold Purity

Hallmark Symbol

What are the new rules for BIS Hallmark?

As per the new rule, all gold jewellery and artifacts will need to mandatorily carry a 6-digit alphanumeric HUID or Hallmark Unique Identification. No person shall, after 31st March, 2023, sell or display or offer to sell any Gold jewellery or Gold Artefacts unless it is hallmarked in accordance with the standards specified in IS 1417:2016 as amended by notification number Ref: HQ-PUB014/1/2020-PUB-BIS (191). It helps you identify authentic gold, ensuring quality and purity. Stay updated on these rules for a secure gold-buying experience.

BIS hallmark and KDM refer to different aspects of gold jewellery and are not the same. A BIS hallmark is an official certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) that verifies the purity and fineness of gold jewellery. KDM, on the other hand, refers to a jewellery manufacturing process that uses cadmium-based solder during production. It is not a certification of gold purity.

Yes, the BIS hallmark is superior to 916 gold. The hallmark, certifying purity and authenticity, is a trusted standard set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. It ensures quality, making it a more reliable choice compared to the 916 gold, which only indicates the gold's karat purity.


 

A BIS hallmark is a government-recognised certification that confirms the purity and authenticity of gold jewellery. Issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), it verifies that the jewellery meets prescribed quality standards. Choosing BIS hallmarked gold helps buyers make informed purchases and ensures greater trust, transparency, and consumer protection.

Yes, BIS hallmark is a trusted certification ensuring gold purity and authenticity. It is backed by the Bureau of Indian Standards, providing consumers with confidence in the quality of their gold jewellery.


 

The BIS hallmark symbol helps buyers verify that gold jewellery meets the purity and quality standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). A complete BIS hallmark includes the BIS logo, the purity or fineness mark, the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number, and the jeweller's identification mark. Checking these markings before buying gold helps ensure the jewellery is genuine, certified, and matches its declared purity.

A BIS hallmark on gold confirms that the jewellery meets the purity and fineness standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). It helps protect buyers from incorrect purity claims by ensuring the gold has been independently tested and certified. Choosing BIS hallmarked gold improves transparency, builds trust, and gives buyers greater confidence in the quality and value of their jewellery. It also supports accurate valuation when selling gold or applying for a gold loan.

A BIS hallmark protects buyers by verifying that gold jewellery meets the purity and fineness standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Since every hallmarked item undergoes independent testing, it reduces the risk of purchasing gold with incorrect purity claims. Buying BIS hallmarked gold helps consumers make informed decisions, improves transparency, and builds confidence in the authenticity and quality of their jewellery. It also supports fair valuation during resale or when applying for a gold loan.

BIS hallmark certification is the official certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to verify the purity and fineness of gold jewellery. It confirms that the jewellery has been tested at a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre and meets the prescribed quality standards.

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Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL) has the sole and absolute discretion, without assigning any reason to accept or reject any application as per BFL policy. *