Gold is a big purchase, so it's worth knowing how to confirm you're getting the purity you paid for. Since 2021, BIS hallmarking is mandatoryfor gold jewellery sold in India — and it gives you a simple, reliable way to check. Here's what to look for.
What is a BIS hallmark?
A hallmark is an official mark, applied at a government-approved assaying centre, that certifies the purity of a piece of gold. It's administered by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). A genuine hallmarked piece carries three marks stamped (or laser-etched) on it.
The 3 marks to look for
- The BIS logo — a triangular mark. This is the certification itself.
- The purity grade — the karat and fineness, e.g. 22K916 (91.6% pure), 18K750 (75%), or 24K999. See our 22K vs 24K guide for what these numbers mean.
- The HUID — a 6-character Hallmark Unique ID, unique to that single piece.
What is HUID and why it matters
The HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification)is a 6-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each individual hallmarked item. Because it's unique per piece, it makes the hallmark far harder to fake and lets the item be traced back to its assaying centre. You can verify a HUID in the official BIS CARE app (free, on Android and iOS) — enter the code and it shows the registered purity and jeweller.
A quick buyer's checklist
- Ask for and check the BIS logo + purity grade + HUID on the piece.
- Make sure the invoice states the net gold weight, purity, and HUID.
- Confirm the day's rate — compare against the gold rate in Rourkela so you know the metal value.
- Understand the full price: metal value + making charges + ₹50 HUID + 3% GST. Our price calculator breaks this down.