India, the world’s second-largest gold consumer, uses approximately 849 metric tons of gold annually, primarily for jewellery and ornamental purposes. Beyond its beauty, gold is valued as a secure store of wealth. But how can consumers ensure its authenticity?
To combat fraud in gold sales, the Government of India made hallmarking mandatory. Jewellers must now obtain a certificate of registration to sell hallmarked jewellery, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
Enter the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number—a game-changing system designed to boost consumer confidence. This six-digit alphanumeric code guarantees traceability and authenticity, enabling buyers to verify the purity of their gold easily. A significant step towards safeguarding investments and promoting transparency in the gold market!
Understanding Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID Number)
The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) Number is a six-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each piece of jewellery during the hallmarking process. This unique number is laser-inscribed onto the jewellery, ensuring its authenticity. Additionally, the HUID details are securely stored in the BIS database, providing reliable traceability and enhancing consumer confidence.
In 2021, the Government of India introduced the HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number to benefit gold jewellery customers. Since then, all hallmarked gold items must carry this unique HUID. The BIS hallmark comprises three symbols: the BIS logo, an indication of purity and fineness, and the HUID number. Buyers are encouraged to verify the HUID number when purchasing gold jewellery to ensure its authenticity and compliance.
What is Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is the process of accurately determining and certifying the purity of precious metals in articles like jewellery. It serves as an official guarantee of quality and fineness, recognized in many countries. In India, the Hallmarking Scheme aims to protect consumers from adulteration while ensuring that manufacturers meet legal standards of purity. Currently, gold and silver are the two precious metals under mandatory hallmarking, promoting transparency and safeguarding consumer trust.
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Benefits of HUID Number
The list of benefits of HUID number are as follows:
- BIS Registration for HUID: The BIS registration for the HUID number ensures the authenticity and purity of gold. Additionally, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) securely stores these HUID numbers in a database for traceability.
- Trace Jewellery’s History: Customers can now trace the history of their jewellery, including its origin and current owner.
- Prevents Fraud: The HUID number helps prevent potential fraud and counterfeiting of jewellery.
- Builds Customer Trust: It fosters trust, giving customers confidence and peace of mind while shopping for jewellery.
Who Provides the HUID Number?
The HUID number is engraved on each piece of gold jewellery at BIS-certified Assaying and Hallmarking Centres, which are approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards. These hallmarking centres are spread across the country.
What is the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)?
BIS, or the Bureau of Indian Standards, is the national standard body established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act of 2016. Its primary goal is to promote the standardization, conformity assessment, and quality assurance of goods, processes, systems, and services. BIS also ensures that products meet the Quality Control Orders set by Indian Standards Institutions (ISI).
Importance of Hallmark Registration with BIS
Here given below is the list of the importance of hallmark registration with BIS:
- Hallmarking registration certifies the purity and quality of gold jewellery or other precious metal articles.
- Both manufacturers and sellers of gold and silver articles must obtain a hallmark certification from BIS.
- It helps in preventing fraud and market counterfeiting.
- Global recognition as a mark of quality and purity of gold jewellery
- Higher resale and investment value.
- It is a win-win for everyone ensuring transparency in the gold jewellery business.
- It becomes easier to trace the individual piece of jewellery and guarantees the jewellery.
List of Hallmarks of Gold Allowed in India
In the gold jewellery market, hallmarks symbolize authenticity and purity, helping consumers understand the composition of this precious metal. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) oversees and authorizes gold hallmarks, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions when purchasing gold jewellery. As per BIS regulations, six distinct gold hallmarks are recognized in India. Below is a list of these hallmarks along with their key characteristics.
- 24 Carats Gold
24-carat gold, often regarded as the epitome of purity, represents gold in its truest essence, with a composition that is 99.9% pure and entirely unadulterated.
- 22 Carats Gold
22-carat gold, also known as the classic 916 gold, is a popular choice among jewellery enthusiasts. The hallmark “916” signifies that the jewellery contains 91.6% pure gold, with the remaining composition made up of other metals like copper and zinc for added strength and durability.
- 18 Carats Gold
18-carat gold jewellery contains 75% pure gold and 25% alloying metals, striking an elegant balance between the richness of gold and the strength of other metals. This combination makes it a popular choice for stylish and durable designs.
- 20 Carats and 23 Carats Gold
Both 20 carats and 23 carats gold hallmarks are not found commonly, it is rare delight for those looking for unique jewellery pieces. It represents a gold alloy with 83.3% and 95.8% pure gold.
- 14 Carats Gold
14-carat gold jewellery is composed of 41.7% pure gold, with the remaining portion made up of alloying metals. This combination maintains the timeless beauty of gold while adding strength and durability.
Methods for Checking the Gold Purity
According to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Hallmarks, one can check the gold purity by addressing the BIS hallmark three symbols as given below:
- The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) logo
- A symbol that denotes the gold purity
- The HUID Number
Examples:
- 22K916 means 22 carat gold and the purity of gold is 91.6 percent.
- 18K750 means 18 carat gold and purity of gold is 75 percent.
Conclusion
BIS registration and the introduction of HUID numbers have transformed the gold market in India by enhancing transparency, authenticity, and consumer trust. To safeguard consumers from fraud and ensure compliance in gold jewellery transactions, the Government of India has made hallmarking mandatory. Whether buying or selling gold jewellery, adhering to BIS guidelines and verifying the HUID number is essential for protecting your investment and fostering confidence in the jewellery market.
Visit https://corpbiz.io/ and let our expert consultants help you comply with BIS and hallmark guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of HUID?
HUID stands for the Hallmark Unique Identification Number.
What is the HUID number?
The HUID number is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to each piece of jewellery during the hallmarking process. This number ensures transparency and authenticity, safeguarding the genuineness of gold jewellery.
How to check gold purity?
One can check the gold purity by checking the unique hallmark number consisting of six digit alphanumeric code.
What are the benefits of HUID numbers?
The HUID number ensures gold authenticity, prevents fraud, and allows customers to trace jewellery history, fostering trust and confidence in purchases.
What is the full form of BIS?
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards.
Which gold hallmark is best?
A 24-carat gold hallmark signifies the purest form of gold, with 99.9% purity and no alloying metals, representing gold in its truest essence.
How to check HUID online?
To check the HUID online, simply download the BIS Care app. Enter the HUID code found on your gold jewellery into the app, and it will verify the authenticity by providing details about the specific piece if the code is genuine.
What is the 6-digit HUID code?
The 6-digit HUID code consists of the BIS logo, gold purity symbol, and HUID number.
Is the HUID number important for gold loans?
Yes, the HUID number is important for gold loans as it certifies the authenticity and purity of the gold as verified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Can I get the gold loan without HUID hallmark jewellery?
Yes, you can get a gold loan without HUID hallmark jewellery. However, the lender may apply a stricter appraisal process and offer a lower loan amount compared to gold jewellery with a HUID number.
Read our blog: How to Obtain Jewellery Hallmark Logo?
