The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced that hallmarking for silver jewellery and artefacts will enter the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) regime – instead of the old purity marks – starting from September 1, 2025. HUID-based hallmarking of silver had been introduced by the BIS from August 1, 2025 on a voluntary basis. Now, while hallmarking itself still remains voluntary, the marking system has been officially changed. Marking as per the old system (four marks) for silver articles will be allowed until August 31, 2025.

Until recently, silver hallmarking remained a voluntary practice. However, at the 78th BIS Foundation Day in New Delhi this January, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, urged the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to expedite the process of making it mandatory. The move was driven by feedback from both consumers and industry stakeholders seeking greater regulation in the silver segment.

The decision to bring silver into the HUID regime was shaped by inputs from both consumers and industry stakeholders. Many consumers had reported uncertainty in assessing the authenticity of silver articles, while retailers and manufacturers acknowledged the need for more robust verification mechanisms to maintain market credibility.

The decision to bring silver into the HUID regime was shaped by inputs from both consumers and industry stakeholders. Many consumers had reported uncertainty in assessing the authenticity of silver articles, while retailers and manufacturers acknowledged the need for more robust verification mechanisms to maintain market credibility.

While the adoption of the HUID-based hallmarking system for silver is a welcome move for traceability and consumer assurance, industry voices have highlighted the practical difficulties of hallmarking large and heavy silver items, including furniture, decorative swings (jhoolas), large trays, and other substantial artefacts.

Such pieces often have intricate designs, uneven surfaces, or multiple joined sections, making it challenging to apply the hallmark in a visible, durable, and aesthetically acceptable manner. The physical size and weight of these items can also pose logistical issues for transporting them to and from hallmarking centres, especially in the case of one-of-a-kind pieces or custom commissions.