Mandatory HUID for silver jewellery: Over 17 lakh articles hallmarked with HUID, govt mulls silver bullion hallmarking

The government has made Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) marking mandatory for all silver articles that are hallmarked, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said in a release on Thursday, December 4. 

Since the government introduced voluntary hallmarking for silver jewellery and articles in September through the Silver Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) portal, over 17 lakh silver jewellery items have already been hallmarked, the ministry said.

“Within the first three months following implementation of mandatory HUID for silver, over 17 lakh pieces have been hallmarked, reflecting strong uptake among jewellers and consumers. While the Silver Hallmarking Scheme remains voluntary, HUID marking has been made mandatory for any silver article that is hallmarked,” it said. 

The mandatory Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID) for silver jewellery and artefacts from September 1, 2025, was introduced with the aim of strengthening consumer protection and purity assurance, and preventing fake hallmarking.

This means that while hallmarking remains voluntary, HUID marking has been made mandatory for all hallmarked items. 

What is HUID in silver jewellery hallmarking?

Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) is a six-digit alphanumeric code assigned to every hallmarked gold or silver item in India. Introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in 2021, it ensures the purity and authenticity of jewellery (gold and now silver too) by offering a traceable record for each item. 

The HUID is engraved on the article, along with the BIS logo and purity grade. The data is securely stored in the BIS database, and customers can check the HUID number online through the official BIS CARE app. 

Hallmarking for gold jewellery has been compulsory since June 2021. 

Verification through BIS Care app

To verify the authenticity of hallmarked silver jewellery, individuals can enter the HUID on the BIS CARE mobile app, and see details including: 

• Purity of the article
• Type of jewellery
• Details of the jeweller
• Details of the Assaying & Hallmarking Centre

The app is available on both the Google Play Store and App Store. 

Hallmarking in silver bullion

Recently, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said that the government is considering extending hallmarking norms to silver bullion to ensure jewellery makers receive authenticated raw material. 

The government is now evaluating industry response before deciding on mandatory rules, Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare said at a CII conference.

“We are trying to see what is the result, what is the reaction of people, what is the response,” Khare said. “To us it is very important that we actually make sure that consumers in our country who equally wear silver jewellery are also covered under the credibility and trustworthiness of the products they are buying.”

HUID in silver jewellery hallmarking

In the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), nearly 32 lakh silver articles were hallmarked. In the three months after the government introduced the Silver Hallmarking Scheme, over 17 lakh silver jewellery items have already been hallmarked, with purity grades 925 and 800 making up for nearly 90% of all hallmarked items. 

Among products, payals/ anklets account for the largest share and are predominantly hallmarked in 800 purity grades, followed by Silver diyas, which are generally in 800 and 925 purity. 

"With over 17.35 lakh articles already hallmarked under the HUID system, the initiative is driving greater transparency, accountability and confidence among consumers and stakeholders. #HallmarkHUID,” Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi said in a special media post on X on December 4.

BIS has been undertaking various measures to ensure widespread awareness and smooth implementation of HUID-based hallmarking, including consumer outreach and awareness programmes, social media campaigns and interactions with jewellers. 

“Building upon the strong foundation created by the HUID system for gold, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced Mandatory Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID) for hallmarked silver jewellery with effect from 1 September 2025, marking a major step towards strengthening consumer protection and curbing fake hallmarking practices,” the release said.