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If you’ve seen the letters “BIS” and a series of numbers stamped on a gold ornament and wondered what they mean, this guide explains it clearly — what BIS hallmarking is, how to read the stamp, how to verify it, and why it matters every time you buy gold in India.
What Is BIS Hallmark?
BIS stands for the Bureau of Indian Standards — India’s national standards body. A BIS hallmark on gold jewellery is an official certification that the piece has been independently tested by a BIS-approved assaying and hallmarking centre, and that its gold purity matches what is stamped on the piece.
Since January 2021, BIS hallmarking has been mandatory for all gold jewellery sold in India. Any jeweller selling unhallmarked gold is violating BIS regulations.
What Does a BIS Hallmark Look Like?
A BIS hallmark on gold jewellery consists of three elements stamped together:
- BIS logo — a triangular mark with “BIS” inscribed inside it
- Purity number — a three-digit number showing the gold content (see below)
- HUID code — a unique 6-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each individual piece
You will usually find this stamp on the inside of a ring, the clasp of a necklace, or the back of an earring.
How to Read the Purity Numbers on Gold
| Hallmark Number | Karat | Gold Purity | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% gold | Gold coins, bars |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% gold | Traditional jewellery (most common) |
| 750 | 18K | 75% gold | Diamond-set and designer jewellery |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% gold | Lightweight everyday jewellery |
For a full explanation of what each number means and how it affects price and resale, read our dedicated guide on gold hallmarks — 916, 750 and 585 explained.
What Is the HUID Code?
HUID stands for Hallmark Unique Identification. It is a 6-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each individual piece of jewellery when it is tested and hallmarked at a BIS-approved centre. No two pieces share the same HUID.
The HUID system was introduced in 2021 to replace the old hallmarking system, which could be forged more easily. With HUID, the code is registered in a central government database — making it much harder to stamp fake hallmarks.
How to Verify a BIS Hallmark Using the BIS Care App
- Download the BIS Care app — available free on Android and iOS.
- Open the app and select “Verify HUID”.
- Enter the 6-digit HUID code shown on your jewellery.
- The app will display the registered purity, the assaying centre name, and whether the code is valid.
If the HUID shows “not found” or a different purity from what is stamped on the piece, do not buy. Report the issue to BIS through the app or at bis.gov.in.
Why Does BIS Hallmarking Matter?
- Purity guarantee: Without hallmarking, you cannot independently verify that a piece sold as 22K is actually 91.6% gold. Unscrupulous sellers have sold lower-purity gold at 22K prices.
- Better resale value: Hallmarked jewellery is accepted at better rates during exchange because purity is proven. Unhallmarked pieces may be offered lower rates or deductions for assay testing.
- Legal protection: If you are sold unhallmarked gold or a piece with a fake HUID, you have a legal basis for complaint under the BIS Act.
Understanding hallmarking also helps when you decide to exchange or sell later. See our guide on how to exchange old gold jewellery in India for how purity affects exchange value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BIS hallmarked gold compulsory in India?
Yes. BIS hallmarking has been mandatory for all gold jewellery sold by jewellers in India since January 2021. Selling unhallmarked gold is a punishable offence under the BIS Act.
Can a BIS hallmark be faked?
The old hallmarking system was vulnerable to forgery. The HUID system makes it significantly harder — each code is registered in a central database. Verify the HUID on the BIS Care app before every purchase.
Does BIS hallmarking cover silver jewellery too?
Yes — BIS hallmarking also applies to silver articles sold in India, though the rollout has been phased. Look for similar purity stamps on silver (999, 925, 800).
What if I lose the invoice for my hallmarked gold?
The HUID code on the piece itself is your verification. Keep the HUID noted separately. Even without an invoice, the piece can be verified for purity on the BIS Care app.
Browse BIS Hallmarked Gold Jewellery
Amazon India stocks certified BIS hallmarked gold jewellery from verified sellers, with easy returns and authenticity guarantees:
Browse BIS Hallmarked Gold Jewellery on Amazon India ↗
And if you want to understand the full cost of buying gold jewellery — including making charges and GST — read our guide on what VA gold jewellery means and how it is priced.
The Bottom Line
BIS hallmarking is your assurance that a gold piece contains the purity it claims. The HUID code takes this further by making every piece individually traceable. Before completing any gold purchase, always check for the BIS logo, the purity number, and the HUID — then verify the HUID on the BIS Care app. It takes one minute and protects you every time.