BIS Hallmarking for 18K Gold: Complete Guide 2025 | Process, Rules & Requirements

 

BIS Hallmarking for 18K Gold: Complete Guide for Jewellers, Sellers, and Exporters

Gold is one of the most trusted and valuable metals in India, and customers expect complete transparency when purchasing it. To safeguard buyers and maintain consistent standards of purity, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced the hallmarking system. While most people know about hallmarking for 22K and 24K gold, demand for 18K gold products has grown significantly. Because of this rise, BIS hallmarking for 18K gold has become essential for jewellers, manufacturers, exporters, and retailers in India.

This blog explains everything about BIS hallmarking for 18K gold, the process, documentation, importance, and how businesses can stay compliant.

What is BIS Hallmarking for 18K Gold?

BIS hallmarking for 18K gold is an official certification issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards to confirm the purity and authentication of 18-karat gold articles.
18K gold contains 75 percent pure gold mixed with other metals like silver, copper, and zinc to improve durability and strength. Because 18K gold is widely used for modern jewellery designs, luxury pieces, studded ornaments, and export-quality products, BIS hallmarking ensures customers receive gold that meets the declared purity level.

Why BIS Hallmarking for 18K Gold is Important

 1. Consumer Trust
 Hallmarking guarantees that the gold customers purchase is genuine and accurately marked.

 2. Legal Compliance
 The Government of India has made hallmarking mandatory for gold jewellery in many districts. Selling un-hallmarked gold can lead to penalties.

 3. Prevents Fraud and Misrepresentation
 Without certification, customers may receive lower purity than what they paid for.

 4. Better Market Value
 Hallmarked gold retains higher resale value because buyers trust its authenticity.

 5. Essential for Exporters and Manufacturers
 Many international buyers require BIS certification to approve gold shipments.

What is Included in an 18K Gold Hallmark?

BIS hallmarking uses four key components:

 1. BIS Logo
 The official symbol showing that the piece has been checked and certified.

 2. Purity Mark (18K, 750)
 “750” represents 75 percent purity, which is the standard for 18K gold.

 3. Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC) Mark
 A unique code identifying the certified testing centre.

 4. Jeweller Identification Mark
 A unique identification number provided to every BIS-registered jeweller.

These marks confirm purity, origin, and authenticity.

Who Needs BIS Hallmarking for 18K Gold?

Hallmarking is mandatory for any entity involved in the gold value chain:

 1. Gold Jewellers

 2. Manufacturers

 3. Retail Jewellery Stores

 4. Online Gold Sellers

 5. Exporters and Importers

 6. Wholesalers and Distributors

If you sell 18K gold products, BIS certification is legally required.

Types of BIS Certification Required for Hallmarking

To sell 18K hallmarked gold, businesses need:

1. BIS Jeweller Registration

This is mandatory for all jewellers. Without registration, gold cannot be hallmarked.

2. Registration with an Accredited Assaying and Hallmarking Centre

Jewellers must send their gold to a BIS-approved centre for testing and marking.

Documents Required for BIS Hallmarking for 18K Gold

The required documents include:

1. Business Registration Certificate (GST, Trade License, etc.)

2. PAN Card of the business

3. Address Proof of the premises

4. List of Jewellery Manufacturing Machines (if applicable)

5. Identity Proof of Owner/Authorized Signatory

6. Proof of Establishment Ownership or Rental Agreement

7. Bank Details

8. Passport-size photos of the owner

All documents must be accurate to avoid delays in approval.

Step-by-Step Process for BIS Hallmarking of 18K Gold

Step 1: Apply for BIS Jeweller Registration

Submit your details through the official BIS portal and upload the required documents.

Step 2: Physical Verification

BIS may inspect the jewellery unit or store to verify compliance.

Step 3: Submit Gold Articles for Testing

Send your 18K gold pieces to a BIS-approved Assaying and Hallmarking Centre.

Step 4: Purity Testing

The gold is tested using methods like fire assay or XRF testing to ensure purity.

Step 5: Hallmarking of Approved Jewellery

Once verified, the center engraves the BIS hallmark on each piece.

Step 6: Receive Certified Hallmarked Jewellery

The items are returned with the official BIS hallmark.

Purity Standards for 18K Gold Under BIS

BIS follows very strict tolerance levels for purity:

 1. For 18K gold, purity must be 750 ± allowable variation.

 2. If purity is below the permissible limit, hallmarking is denied.

This ensures consistent and reliable standards across the industry.

Penalties for Selling Un-Hallmarked 18K Gold

Businesses selling gold without hallmarking may face:

 1. Financial penalties

 2. Seizure of gold items

 3. Suspension or cancellation of BIS registration

 4. Legal action under the BIS Act

Therefore, compliance is crucial to avoid regulatory issues.

Benefits of BIS Hallmarked 18K Gold for Businesses

1. Enhanced Brand Reputation

Customers prefer certified products, which builds trust.

2. Increase in Sales

Hallmarked jewellery boosts customer confidence, increasing conversions.

3. Market Credibility

Hallmarking makes your brand credible compared to competitors who skip compliance.

4. Easy Export Approvals

International buyers trust BIS standards because they match global benchmarks.

Common Challenges in 18K BIS Hallmarking (And How to Avoid Them)

 1. Incorrect Purity Levels
 Ensure gold purity is tested internally before submitting.

 2. Improper Documentation
 Missing documents lead to delays. Keep all records updated.

 3. Using Non-Registered Centres
 Always use BIS-approved hallmarking centres only.

 4. Non-Compliance with New BIS Rules
 Rules may change; stay updated to avoid penalties.

BIS hallmarking for 18K gold is not just a compliance requirement; it is a trust-building tool. For jewellers, manufacturers, exporters, and retailers, hallmarking ensures gold purity, protects customers, and enhances brand value. Following BIS standards helps your business stay compliant, improves market credibility, and ensures long-term success in the jewellery industry.

If you need BIS registration or hallmarking assistance, expert support can help simplify your process and ensure approvals without delay.