Voluntary HUID-Based Silver Hallmarking Begins in India

From September 1, 2025, India has introduced Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID)-based hallmarking for silver jewellery and articles on a voluntary basis, marking a significant upgrade in how consumers verify the purity and authenticity of silver products. The move by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) aims to bring silver jewellery in line with the already established gold hallmarking system, using a digitally traceable format that empowers buyers and safeguards consumer interests.

The Evolution of Silver Hallmarking in India

• Silver hallmarking in India began on a voluntary basis in October 2005, regulated under IS 2112 standards. Jewellers who conformed to BIS specifications were issued registration certificates, allowing them to sell hallmarked silver jewellery.
• However, with growing consumer demand for transparency and quality assurance, BIS has now revised the standard to IS 2112:2025, replacing the earlier IS 2112:2014 version. The revised standard officially introduces the HUID-based hallmarking system for silver jewellery.

What Is HUID-Based Hallmarking?

HUID (Hallmarking Unique Identification) is a 6-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each hallmarked piece of jewellery. This code enables

• Complete traceability of silver items
• Consumer access to verification via the BIS Care App
• Authentication of the item’s purity, date of hallmarking, and registration details

Under the new system, each hallmarked silver article must display three components,

1. BIS Standard Mark with the word ‘SILVER’
2. Purity Grade (e.g., 925, 958, 999)
3. HUID Code

Key Differences Between IS 2112:2014 and IS 2112:2025

Infrastructure and Scale of Implementation

As of 2025,

• 230 BIS-recognized Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) operate across 87 districts
• Over 32 lakh silver jewellery articles were hallmarked in FY 2024–25
• BIS Care App enables public verification by scanning the HUID code
• These centres ensure quality control, testing, and hallmark issuance, forming the backbone of India’s hallmarking infrastructure.

Stakeholder Involvement and Public Awareness

To ensure smooth implementation and understanding of the revised hallmarking system, BIS held a stakeholder consultation on August 7, 2025, attended by over 80 participants, including jewellers, AHC representatives, and consumers.

In addition, BIS is actively,

• Conducting awareness campaigns via its branch offices
• Promoting HUID benefits on social media and public platforms
• Educating jewellers and consumers on the new purity grades and marking format

Key Takeaways for Exam

• HUID-based silver hallmarking began voluntarily on September 1, 2025.
• BIS revised standard IS 2112:2025 replaces IS 2112:2014.
• HUID enables digital verification of silver jewellery using the BIS Care App.
• New purity grades introduced: 958 and 999.

This simplifies the hallmarking structure while digitally empowering consumers to verify purchases in real time.