Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID)

Why in news?

• Bureau of India Standards (BIS) has prohibited the sale of hallmarked gold jewellery or gold artefacts without 6 digits alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID) after 31st March 2023.
• Till now, the old hallmarked jewellery with four marks without HUID was also permitted to be sold by the jewellers along with the 6-digit HUID mark.

What is Hallmarking?

• Hallmarking is the accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in precious metal articles.
• A hallmark is thus a guarantee of purity or fineness of precious metal articles.
• The principle objectives of Hallmarking are to protect the public against adulteration and to obligate manufacturers to maintain legal standards of fineness.
• The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) operates the gold and silver hallmarking scheme in India.
• According to the scheme, BIS certified jewellers can get their jewellery hallmarked from any of the BIS recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (A&HC).

Metals covered under the purview of hallmarking in India:

• Gold jewellery and gold artefacts.
• Silver jewellery and silver artefacts.

Exceptions:

• Export and re-import of jewellery as per Trade Policy of Government of India, jewellery for international exhibitions, jewellery for government-approved B2B domestic exhibitions.
• Watches, fountain pens and special types of jewellery such as Kundan, Polki and Jadau.

About Hallmarking Scheme for Jewellery:

• Hallmarking scheme for Jewelry was started by BIS in the year 2000. However, Mandatory Hallmarking has been successfully implemented since June 2021.
• Hallmark consists of 3 symbols which give you some information.
  • BIS logo
  • Symbol indicates purity and fineness
  • HUID number

About Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) Number:

• Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number is a six-digit Alphanumeric code consisting of numbers and letters.
• HUID will be given to every piece of jewellery at the time of hallmarking and it is unique for every piece of jewellery.
• The jewellery is stamped with the unique number manually at the Assaying & Hallmarking centre.

Consumer benefits of HUID:

• HUID-based Hallmarking is a win-win for everyone. It brings about transparency, ensures consumers’ rights and obviates the chances of Inspector Raj. Anyone can get existing jewellery Hallmarked and get a true valuation of Gold.
• As per section 49 of BIS Rules, 2018 in case Hallmarked Jewellery bought by the consumer is found to be of lesser purity than that marked on the jewellery, then the buyer/customer shall be entitled for compensation which shall be two times the amount of difference calculated on the basis of shortage of purity for the weight of such article sold and the testing charges.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Which of the following metals are covered under BIS Hallmarking Scheme:

1. Gold

2. Silver

3. Platinum

4. Diamond

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1,2 and 3 only

Answer