National News
BIS launches pilot project to digitally capture hallmarked jewellery details
On the occasion of World Standards Day 2025 on 14 October, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched a pilot project to digitally capture the weight and photograph of hallmarked jewellery across 25 Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs). The initiative aims to boost transparency in the hallmarking process by recording each jewellery item’s image and weight directly on the BIS portal.
Under the system, cameras will capture clear images of the jewellery and its unique HUID number, while integrated weighing balances will automatically upload the weight, eliminating manual errors. Consumers can verify the authenticity of hallmarked jewellery by viewing these details on the BIS Care mobile app, ensuring greater transparency and informed buying.The pilot will run for one month across the selected AHCs before being expanded nationwide.
A key component of the project is consumer accessibility. Through the BIS Care mobile app, buyers will be able to verify the authenticity and specifications of any hallmarked jewellery item by simply entering the HUID number. The app will display the corresponding photograph and weight details, empowering consumers to make informed and confident purchasing decisions.
Pilot Implementation and Next Steps
The project will operate on a pilot basis for one month across the 25 participating AHCs. BIS will monitor system performance, data accuracy, and consumer response during this period. Based on the outcomes and feedback, the initiative will be scaled up nationwide, covering all BIS-recognised hallmarking centres.
According to BIS officials, this initiative is a major milestone in aligning India’s hallmarking process with global best practices in standardisation and traceability. It supports the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure trust, transparency, and technology-driven oversight in the gems and jewellery industry.
Driving Digital Transformation in Hallmarking
The pilot also reflects BIS’s broader digital transformation strategy, which leverages technology to improve service delivery and consumer engagement. By combining data-driven systems, real-time verification, and digital recordkeeping, BIS aims to strengthen the integrity of hallmarking — a cornerstone of quality assurance in precious metals.
As India continues to witness rising consumer demand for hallmarked gold and silver jewellery, this initiative promises to set a new benchmark for authenticity and accountability in the marketplace.
National News
NPCI Defers Rollout Of UPI Merchant Discount Rate Until After Diwali
Given Typical Retail Margins Of 2%–6% On Bullion and Plain Gold Jewellery, Absorbing A 0.4% Fee—Or Up To ₹300 Per Large Transaction—Would Have Directly Eaten Into Festive Profitability. The Deferral Keeps Bottom Lines Protected Through Dhanteras and Diwali.
The National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) UPI and Services Steering Committee has deferred the implementation of Merchant Discount Rates (MDR) on select person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions until immediately after Diwali.
The move aims to protect consumer sentiment and keep operational costs steady for businesses during the peak festive shopping season. A specific implementation date will be announced separately.
Key Highlights
- Festive Relief for Retail: The deferment ensures merchants face no additional payment processing costs during peak festive demand, helping avoid disruptions to consumer spending.
- The Approved MDR Structure:
- Applies only to eligible P2M transactions above Rs 2,000 at a rate of 0.4%.
- Capped at Rs 300 for high-value transactions of Rs 75,000 and above.
- Everyday low-value payments and small merchants remain fully exempt, preserving zero-cost digital transactions for general consumers.
- Timeline Adjustment: Originally notified on September 15 for an October 15 rollout, the framework will now take effect post-Diwali, giving banks, payment aggregators, and merchants additional runway to align their systems and communicate terms clearly.
Jewellery purchase values routinely exceed the Rs 2,000 threshold and frequently touch or surpass the Rs 75,000 cap. Given typical retail margins of 2%–6% on bullion and plain gold jewellery, absorbing a 0.4% fee—or up to Rs 300 per large transaction—would have directly eaten into festive profitability. The deferral keeps bottom lines protected through Dhanteras and Diwali.
Introducing transaction fees just as footfall surges would have forced retailers to decide whether to absorb the cost or pass it on to buyers (via checkout surcharges or selective discounts). Avoiding this choice prevents awkward billing counter negotiations and cart abandonment during rush hours.
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