What is BIS Hallmark

In summary

• The BIS hallmark is India's official gold purity certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards, confirming jewellery meets government-prescribed purity standards.
• Every hallmarked item carries four identifiers — BIS logo, purity number, HUID code, and jeweller's mark — ensuring authenticity and traceability.
• BIS purity grades include 999 (24K), 916 (22K), and 750 (18K), each suited for different uses from investment to everyday wear.
• The HUID is a unique six-digit code on each piece, verifiable instantly via the BIS CARE app.
• BIS hallmarked gold offers stronger buyer protection and is more readily accepted for gold loans and resale.

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.

Historical significance of BIS hallmarking

BIS hallmark in gold holds profound historical significance, dating back centuries as a system of quality assurance and consumer protection. Originating in medieval Europe, hallmarking was initially applied to precious metals like gold and silver, indicating their purity and ensuring fair trade.

Over time, hallmarking evolved into a formalised system with standardised symbols, each representing:

• Specific standards of purity
• Manufacturer details
• Location of assay

Across cultures and centuries, hallmarking has remained an integral part of the precious metals industry, upholding traditions of quality, trust, and transparency in trade.

What are the signs of a BIS hallmark?

When purchasing gold, it's essential to recognize the signs of a BIS hallmarked item to ensure you're getting genuine gold. The BIS hallmark on gold includes several key elements: the BIS logo, a three-digit number indicating purity (e.g., 916 for 22-karat gold), the jeweler's identification mark, and the hallmarking center's logo. These marks are usually stamped on an inconspicuous part of the gold item, such as the inner band of a ring. For added assurance, you can also perform a gold hallmark check online, where you can verify the authenticity and details of your gold purchase by entering the hallmark number. This process ensures transparency and confidence in the quality of your gold.
 

What is HUID?

The HUID, or Hallmark Unique Identification Number, is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code stamped on BIS hallmarked gold jewellery. Introduced to improve transparency and traceability, this code helps buyers verify the authenticity and purity of gold jewellery with ease. A BIS hallmark on gold confirms that the jewellery meets the purity standards set for hallmarked gold items in India.

A BIS hallmark generally includes:

• BIS logo
• Gold purity and fineness
• HUID code
• Jeweller’s identification mark

The role of BIS hallmark in ensuring quality standards

A BIS hallmark on gold acts as an assurance of purity and quality for buyers purchasing gold jewellery in India. Issued under standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards, hallmarked jewellery undergoes proper verification to confirm its stated purity. Choosing BIS hallmarked jewellery helps buyers make safer and more informed purchasing decisions, especially when considering long-term value or applying for a gold loan later. The hallmark also improves transparency in the jewellery market by providing standardised purity certification. Today, many buyers prefer BIS hallmarked jewellery because it increases trust, authenticity, and confidence during gold purchases.
 

BIS hallmark gold purity grades: 999, 916, 750 explained 

A BIS hallmark helps buyers identify the purity level of gold jewellery and gold items before purchase. The numbers stamped as part of the BIS hallmark on gold represent the purity and fineness of the gold used in the item. Understanding these grades can help buyers make informed decisions based on usage, durability, and investment preferences.

Common BIS hallmark purity grades include:

• 999 gold – Indicates 99.9% pure gold, commonly used for coins and investment purposes
• 916 gold – Refers to 22 karat gold with 91.6% purity, widely used for jewellery in India
• 750 gold – Represents 18 karat gold containing 75% pure gold, often preferred for studded and designer jewellery

Checking the BIS hallmark ensures better transparency, authenticity, and confidence while purchasing gold jewellery.
 

How to check BIS hallmark on gold jewellery (BIS CARE app guide)

Buyers can verify whether their jewellery is genuinely BIS hallmarked by using the BIS CARE mobile application. The app helps users confirm the authenticity of the BIS hallmark on gold through the HUID number stamped on the jewellery item.

Steps to verify gold jewellery:

• Download the BIS CARE app on your smartphone
• Open the app and select the ‘Verify HUID’ option
• Enter the HUID number mentioned on the jewellery
• View details such as purity, jeweller information, and hallmarking details

This verification process helps buyers ensure transparency, authenticity, and purity before purchasing or using gold jewellery.
 

Pro tip: Want to make the most of your hallmarked gold? Check your gold loan eligibility and unlock quick funds against your verified jewellery—all while ensuring complete safety and transparency.