To safeguard the interest of consumers and enhance credibility of jewellers, government through the Bureau of Indian Standards has made six-digit alphanumeric HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) Mandatory for sale of Gold Jewellery with effect from April 1, 2023. In accordance with notification number CG-DL-E-06032023-244162 dated 6th March, 2023 the aforesaid six-digit alphanumeric HUID has been made mandatory and selling or display of any other jewellery has been prohibited.

Every person shall, after 31st March 2023, sell or display or offer to sell only that Gold Jewellery or Gold Artefact that is in compliance with the aforesaid guidelines of Bureau of Indian Standards i.e. ensuring that the jewellery displayed in the showrooms or being sold is compliant with the six-digit alphanumeric HUID.

Any contravention of the aforesaid guidelines will result in penal action taken by the Bureau of Indian Standards wherein the jeweller may have to face a penalty of not less than Rs. 1 Lac which may extend up to five times the price of jewellery and or one year imprisonment. Needless to say that the bureau has been given wide powers for effective implementation of the aforesaid guidelines.

This mandate is beneficial for the customers, allowing them to check their jewellery for hallmark. The six-digit alphanumeric HUID provides a distinct identity to each piece of jewellery allowing consumers to trace and verify for purity. It may be crucial to note that jewellers can continue to buy back old gold jewellery without hallmarks from consumers.