Fake hallmarking a serious concern, strict action needed: BL Verma at BIS Foundation Day

Hallmarking: On the occasion of 79th Foundation Day of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) concerns over fake hallmarking and the need to protect consumers was discussed. Officials highlighted how India’s standards are gaining global respect and how hallmarking reforms have brought major change across the country, including rural areas.

While addressing, BL Verma, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Social Justice & Empowerment, said India is emerging as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing consumer markets. He stressed that maintaining quality standards is a shared responsibility and is key to building consumer trust.

Mandatory hallmarking brought awareness even to villages: BL Verma

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Speaking on the importance of BIS certification, BL Verma said that when people talk about Swadeshi today, BIS-certified products are being accepted not only in India but across the world because of their quality and standards.

He cited Operation Sindoor as an example of India’s growing indigenous strength and mentioned that weapons like the BrahMos missile are built using Indian capabilities. “India has immense potential in every sector,” he said.

Highlighting hallmarking reforms, the minister said mandatory gold hallmarking was one of the most impactful decisions taken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He recalled a time when many people did not understand the difference between 22-carat and 24-carat gold.

“In villages and small towns, innocent buyers often paid the price for pure gold but were given lower-quality gold, sometimes even 14-carat, along with extra charges,” Verma said.

He noted that concern over fake hallmarking, strict action needed against such people.

However, he added that the situation has changed. With mandatory hallmarking, buyers today check hallmarks before purchasing gold. This reflects India’s move towards Digital India, awareness, transparency, and fairness.

BIS DG–IV flags fake hallmarking, AI tools to strengthen surveillance

During an interaction under BIS DG–IV, BIS Director General Sanjay Garg expressed concern over cases of fake hallmarking. He said that while awareness has improved, misuse of fake hallmarks remains a serious issue.

Garg said surveillance will be strengthened to stop fake hallmarking. BIS is also planning to integrate the BIS Care App with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help consumers verify hallmarks more easily and report suspicious jewellery.

He further revealed that hallmark tracking systems will be launched in collaboration with major jewellers, allowing better monitoring and traceability of hallmarked gold and silver across the supply chain.

BIS Pilot Project digitally record jewellery weight and images

Earlier BIS has launched a pilot project in 25 Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) across India. The project aims to prevent fraud and improve consumer protection.

Under this system, every piece of hallmarked gold and silver jewellery will have its photograph and exact weight recorded. The BIS portal will store digital records along with the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID). Jewellery will be captured through clear and accurate images.

This system ensures proper record-keeping and provides a reliable reference for verification whenever needed.

How the system works

Jewellery and its HUID are photographed using high-resolution cameras. The weight is entered directly into the BIS portal from a digital balance, removing manual entry. This creates a nearly error-free system and makes every hallmark accurate and traceable.

BIS defines hallmarking as the official testing and recording of precious metal purity. The hallmarking regulation in India presently includes only gold and silver.

The project is mainly aimed at stopping the sale of mixed gold, making sure that the manufacturers are adhering to the quality laws, and enhancing the trust and integrity of the jewelry business in India.