As consumers prepare for Dhanteras, understanding the updated Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmarking fees and purity verification is essential. Gold prices remain elevated, making it important to verify the 6-digit HUID code and tax components. Buyers should be aware that revised hallmarking charges may influence total purchase costs during this high-demand festive season.
As the Dhanteras festival approaches, gold demand is expected to remain high across the country. For consumers and investors looking to purchase precious metals, verifying the authenticity of gold and silver jewellery is more important than ever. With gold prices currently trading at high levels—averaging around ₹13,385 per gram for 22K and over ₹14,500 per gram for 24K as of early November 2026—every purchase involves significant financial commitment.
To ensure authenticity, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates specific hallmarking requirements. Every piece of hallmarked jewellery must feature three distinct marks: the official BIS logo, the purity grade (often in karat or millesimal fineness), and a 6-digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) code. This HUID code is essentially the identity of the specific item, allowing buyers to trace its origin and purity details using the official BIS CARE app.
Buyers should also be aware of the updated fee structure implemented by the Bureau of Indian Standards on September 14, 2026. The hallmarking fee for gold items has been revised to ₹75 per article, with a minimum consignment fee of ₹200. For silver, the cost stands at ₹35 per item with a minimum of ₹150 per consignment. While these fees are charged to the jewellers by Assaying and Hallmarking Centres, they may be passed on to the final consumer. This means that hallmarking compliance, while essential for security, can contribute to the final making charges of the jewellery.
In addition to the base price of gold and making charges, buyers must account for a standard 3% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied to all precious metal purchases. This tax is applied universally regardless of the gold purity level.
One risk for consumers is the potential for higher retail costs if jewellers adjust their making charges to offset the increased hallmarking fees. Furthermore, while hallmarking is mandatory for many items, certain categories like gold coins, bars, and specific traditional jewellery styles such as Kundan or Polki are exempt. Consumers should cross-verify whether their selected items are subject to mandatory hallmarking.
For those looking to secure their purchase, the most practical step is to request the HUID code at the point of sale and verify it instantly through the BIS CARE mobile application. This verification confirms the item's purity and hallmarking status, protecting buyers from purchasing lower-quality metal during the festive rush.