Centre set to make hallmarking mandatory for gold bullion to ensure quality & consumer protection
Bhubaneswar : The Indian government is set to enforce mandatory hallmarking for gold bullion, a move aimed at guaranteeing the purity of gold products and safeguarding consumers against quality issues. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare made this announcement at the Gems and Jewellery Conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi.
Khare revealed that more than 40 crore gold jewellery items have already been hallmarked, with over 4 lakh gold items receiving hallmark certification daily. The new regulation, combined with the introduction of a six-digit unique ID system, is expected to significantly enhance trust and transparency in the jewellery sector. This system will help ensure consistent quality, improve traceability, and foster consumer confidence.
The automation of the hallmarking process, incorporating API-based integration of XRF data, has streamlined operations and boosted efficiency for both jewellers and consumers. Khare also emphasized the importance of building global brands in India’s jewellery sector, urging a blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern consumer demands for international markets.
Since the introduction of mandatory hallmarking, the number of registered jewellers has surged from 34,647 to nearly 1.94 lakh, and the number of assaying and hallmarking centres has grown from 945 to 1,622, strengthening the infrastructure for quality assurance.
