The third phase of this mandatory hallmarking, under the Hallmarking of Gold Jewelry and Gold Artefacts (Third Amendment) Order, 2023, came into effect on September 8, 2023, according to an ET report.
To ensure the authenticity and purity of stamped gold jewelry, consumers are encouraged to use the ‘verify SKIN’ feature in the BIS Healthcare appwhich can be downloaded from the Play Store.
What is quality mark?
Inspection involves accurately determining and officially recording the proportional precious metal content in these items. Hallmarks are official marks that serve as a guarantee of the purity or fineness of precious metal objects in India.
What is a SKIN number?
The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number, as described on the Department of Consumer Affairs website, is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code. Each piece of jewelry receives a SKIN number when inspected, and these numbers are different. In the Assaying & Hallmarking center, the jewelry is provided with this unique number by hand.
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Hallmarked Jewelry offers a third-party guarantee and ensures that customers receive the correct purity of gold or silver for the price paid, giving them value for their money.
How do I check the authenticity of gold jewelry with the BIS Care app?
Checking the authenticity of hallmarked gold jewelry with the BIS Care app is easy. Consumers can do this via the ‘verify SKIN’ function on the BIS Zorg App. The app can be accessed through the Google Play Store and is available in both Hindi and English.
To perform the verification, users need to download the app and go to the ‘Check License Details’ section, which is used for authenticating ISI-branded products. To verify stamped jewelry, users must proceed to the “Verify SKIN” section.
How much does it cost to have a gold item hallmarked?
Quality mark costs are charged per item, regardless of the weight of the item. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on March 4, 2022, announced an increase in the hallmark fee for gold jewelery and artefacts from Rs 35 per piece to Rs 45. Similarly, the hallmark fee for silver jewelery and artefacts was increased to Rs 35 per piece . item, increased from Rs 25. However, there is no increase in the minimum consignment fee for hallmarking gold and silver jewelery or artefacts.
Inspection costs for gold items:
- Rs. 45 per item
- Minimum Shipping Cost: Rs. 200 (Additional service tax and applicable levies)
Inspection costs for silver items:
- Rs. 35 per item
- Minimum Shipping Cost: Rs. 150.00 (Additional service tax and applicable levies)
It is important to note that the characteristic costs do not include incurring costs or costs for waste.
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Can an ordinary person have his or her stamped jewelry examined for purity?
Ordinary persons can get their stamped jewelry tested for purity by paying a testing fee of Rs. 200 at any BIS approved Assaying & Hallmarking (A&H) centre. The list of A&H centers recognized by BIS is available under the hallmarking category on the BIS website, bis.gov.in.