If you are planning to purchase gold jewellery during Dhanteras or Diwali, there is an important update you should know about. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has revised the hallmarking charges for gold jewellery, increasing the fee from ₹45 to ₹75 per article.
However, not every gold item comes under mandatory hallmarking rules. Certain categories of gold jewellery and products are exempt, meaning they do not require mandatory hallmarking under the applicable BIS regulations.
The revised charges for gold and silver hallmarking were announced in September 2026 and became effective from September 14, 2026. Under the updated fee structure, the charge for each gold article has increased to ₹75 from the earlier ₹45.
New BIS Hallmarking Charges for Gold and Silver
Under the revised guidelines, jewellers must pay ₹75 for hallmarking each gold article at an authorised hallmarking centre. A minimum charge of ₹200 per consignment will also apply.
The hallmarking fee for silver has been fixed at ₹35 per article.
The increase in gold hallmarking charges is an important change for jewellers and consumers, particularly during the festive season when gold purchases usually receive greater attention.
These Gold Jewellery Items Are Exempt From Mandatory Hallmarking
According to BIS regulations, certain gold products do not fall under mandatory hallmarking requirements. The exempt categories include:
- Gold items below 2 grams: Gold articles weighing less than 2 grams are exempt from mandatory hallmarking.
- Traditional jewellery: Kundan, Polki and Jadau jewellery are included in the exemption.
- Gold watches and fountain pens: These products are not covered under mandatory hallmarking.
- Gold coins and bullion: Gold bars, plates, sheets, rods, wires and coins are also exempt.
- Export jewellery: Jewellery manufactured according to the specific requirements of overseas buyers is exempt.
- Medical and industrial gold products: Items used for scientific, dental and industrial purposes are also covered under the exemption.
These exemptions are important to understand before purchasing gold, as mandatory hallmarking requirements differ depending on the type and use of the product.
Special Hallmarking Rules for Earrings and Necklaces
Some jewellery designs contain multiple separate gold components. Earrings, necklaces and similar ornaments may consist of several individual pieces, which means separate identification requirements apply.
Under BIS rules, every individual article in such jewellery and each earring in a pair must carry its own six-digit HUID number.
There is also a specific exemption for small gold components. For example, if the screws used in earrings are made of gold and weigh less than 2 grams, they do not require mandatory hallmarking. However, the main earring must carry the required hallmark as per the applicable regulations.
What Should You Check Before Buying Gold This Dhanteras?
With the festive season approaching, buyers should pay attention to gold purity and hallmark details rather than focusing only on the jewellery’s final price.
Before purchasing gold ornaments, check for these important details:
- BIS logo: Confirm that the jewellery carries the official BIS hallmark.
- Purity marking: Check the gold purity mentioned on the ornament.
- HUID number: Verify the six-digit Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number.
- Purchase bill: Always collect a proper invoice from the jeweller.
- Weight and charges: Check the actual gold weight, making charges and applicable hallmarking charges.
Understanding these details can help buyers make informed purchasing decisions and avoid confusion about gold purity and jewellery pricing.
With the revised BIS hallmarking fee now in effect, customers should also understand which gold articles require mandatory hallmarking and which categories are exempt before making their festive purchases.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Hallmarking fees, exemptions and regulatory requirements are subject to BIS rules and official updates. Readers are advised to verify the latest guidelines through official BIS sources or authorised hallmarking centres before making purchasing decisions. The information provided should not be considered legal or regulatory advice.