In a significant move to make gold jewellery more accessible and revive declining demand, the government has officially approved hallmarking for 9-karat gold, expanding the range of certified purities beyond the existing 24K to 14K categories.

The new standard—9K gold containing 37.5% pure gold—offers a more affordable alternative for consumers, particularly in rural markets and among younger buyers who are seeking lightweight, budget-friendly jewellery without compromising on quality and authenticity.

Until now, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmarking system certified gold in six categories: 24K, 23K, 22K, 20K, 18K, and 14K. The inclusion of 9K gold marks the first expansion of this framework in years, and is expected to widen the consumer base by making gold ownership more attainable.

The decision follows a sharp 60% decline in gold jewellery sales volume in June, the steepest drop since the Covid-19 pandemic. Industry experts believe this step could reinvigorate demand by addressing affordability barriers and providing greater flexibility to jewellers in catering to varied customer segments.

By broadening hallmarking standards, the government aims to strengthen consumer trust, improve transparency, and encourage the industry to innovate in line with changing market dynamics.

The rollout of hallmark-certified 9K jewellery is expected to begin shortly, with jewellers across the country adapting their offerings to meet the anticipated surge in demand for low-karatage options.