Since July 2021, every hallmarked gold jewellery piece sold in India carries a six-digit code that most buyers never look at — the HUID. That’s a missed opportunity, because the HUID is one of the most useful tools a gold buyer has. It takes 30 seconds to check on your phone, and it tells you definitively whether the hallmark on a piece of jewellery is genuine. Here’s what HUID means, why it exists, and how to use it before you pay.
What is HUID in gold jewellery?
HUID stands for Hallmark Unique Identification. It is a six-character alphanumeric code laser-engraved onto every piece of gold jewellery at the time of hallmarking by a BIS recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre. The code is registered in a national BIS database at that moment, linking the specific piece to the jeweller, the hallmarking centre, and the verified purity. In plain terms: the HUID is the digital identity of your gold jewellery. No two pieces can have the same code.
Why did the government introduce HUID?
Before HUID, Indian gold hallmarking relied on physical stamps that could be replicated fraudulently. The HUID system was introduced to close this gap — each code is registered centrally at the time of testing, so a code that doesn’t appear in the BIS database is immediate evidence of fraud. From April 2023, the government made it mandatory: no gold jewellery can be sold in India without a valid HUID.
Where is the HUID on a piece of jewellery?
The HUID is laser-engraved as part of the hallmark group on the piece — usually inside a ring band, on the back of a pendant, or on the clasp of a necklace. It appears alongside the BIS triangular logo and the purity number (such as 916 for 22K or 750 for 18K). Ask the jeweller to point it out before you buy — a legitimate jeweller will do so readily.
How to verify HUID before buying
- Download the BIS Care app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store (free, government-published)
- Open the app and tap “Verify HUID”
- Enter the six-digit code stamped on the jewellery
- The app returns the registered details — purity, jeweller name, hallmarking centre and date of testing
If the details match the piece in your hand, the hallmark is genuine. If the code returns no result, or the details don’t match, do not proceed with the purchase. You can also verify on bis.gov.in without the app.
HUID on your bill
Your gold purchase invoice should list the HUID for each piece. Keep this bill carefully — you’ll need it when you sell, exchange or pledge the jewellery. If a bill doesn’t carry the HUID, ask for it to be added before completing the purchase.
Related guides
For the hallmark numbers (916, 750, 585) explained, see our hallmark numbers guide. For decoding your full gold bill, see our gold bill reading guide.
Browse certified gold jewellery
Browse gold jewellery and accessories on Amazon India — always verify the HUID on the BIS Care app on receipt. Also explore global gold options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HUID in gold?
HUID stands for Hallmark Unique Identification — a unique six-character alphanumeric code laser-engraved on every BIS-hallmarked gold jewellery piece in India. It registers the piece in a national database and lets buyers verify gold purity using the BIS Care app.
How do I check the HUID on my gold?
Download the BIS Care app, tap “Verify HUID,” and enter the six-digit code engraved on the jewellery. The app shows the registered purity, jeweller and hallmarking details.
What if the HUID doesn’t show up in the BIS app?
A code that doesn’t return results is a serious red flag indicating a potentially fraudulent hallmark. Do not buy the piece until the jeweller can produce a valid verified result.
The bottom line
The HUID is the simplest and most reliable consumer protection tool in the Indian gold market — a 30-second check on the BIS Care app that confirms whether the gold you’re about to buy is genuinely certified at the purity claimed. Make it a habit before every purchase.