✔ HUID verification steps (BIS Care App, web, helpline)
✔ Fake gold identification — 7 tests explained
✔ Consumer complaint process + penalties included
💡 Key Takeaway:
Every piece of gold jewellery sold in India MUST have a BIS hallmark with a 6-digit HUID number. Download the BIS Care App, enter the HUID, and verify purity in 30 seconds. If a jeweller sells you non-hallmarked gold, it is illegal and you can file a complaint.
🔥 Why This Matters
Before HUID, gold purity fraud was rampant in India. Jewellers could stamp "916" on 18K gold and buyers had no way to verify. With HUID, every single piece of jewellery is digitally tracked— from the refinery to your hands. This is the biggest consumer protection measure in India's gold industry history.
Table of Contents
1. What is BIS Hallmark?
BIS Hallmark is a purity certification given by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — the national standards body of India. When you see the BIS hallmark on gold jewellery, it means the gold has been independently tested and certified at a government-recognized assaying centre.
Think of BIS hallmark as the ISI mark for gold — just like ISI certifies the safety of electrical appliances, BIS certifies the purity of gold.
✅ What BIS Hallmark Guarantees
- The gold is exactly the purity the jeweller claims (22K = 91.6% gold)
- It was tested by an independent, BIS-recognized lab (not by the jeweller)
- The piece has a unique HUID code that can be digitally verified anytime
- The jeweller is BIS-registered and legally accountable for purity
2. What is HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification)?
🔢 HUID at a Glance
HUID is a 6-character unique code stamped on every hallmarked gold piece since July 2021. It replaced the old jeweller's mark and assaying centre mark. Each HUID is linked to a specific piece of jewellery in a central BIS database, making it virtually impossible to fake.
When you enter this code in the BIS Care App, you get the complete chain of custody — who made it, who tested it, what purity it is, and when it was hallmarked.
3. BIS Hallmark Symbols — What Each Mark Means
Mark 1: BIS Logo
Triangle with "BIS" text. Confirms the piece was tested by BIS-recognized lab.
Mark 2: Purity Number
Indicates gold purity. 916 = 22K, 750 = 18K, 999 = 24K.
Mark 3: HUID Code
6-character unique ID. Verify on BIS Care App for complete details.
4. Gold Purity Numbers — Complete Reference
| Stamp on Gold | Karat | Gold % | Commonly Used For | BIS Hallmark? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 24K | 99.9% | Gold coins, bars, ETFs, SGBs | ✅ Yes |
| 958 | 23K | 95.8% | Premium coins (rare) | ✅ Yes |
| 916 | 22K | 91.6% | Standard jewellery — India's most popular | ✅ Yes |
| 833 | 20K | 83.3% | Some designer jewellery | ✅ Yes |
| 750 | 18K | 75.0% | Diamond jewellery, Western designs | ✅ Yes |
| 585 | 14K | 58.5% | Fashion jewellery, watches | ✅ Yes |
| KDM | — | ? | ❌ OUTDATED — cadmium solder, banned | ❌ NO! |
5. How to Check HUID Online — Step-by-Step
📱 Method 1: BIS Care App (Recommended)
- Download BIS Care App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store (Free)
- Open the app → Tap "Verify Hallmark / HUID"
- Enter the 6-character HUID code stamped on your jewellery
- View results: Gold purity, Assaying centre name, Jeweller details, Hallmarking date
- If it shows "Invalid HUID" → Contact the jeweller immediately or file a complaint
🌐 Method 2: BIS Website
Visit bis.gov.in → Click "Verify HUID" → Enter code → View purity and details. Works on any device with a browser.
📞 Method 3: BIS Helpline
Call 14100 (BIS toll-free helpline). Provide your HUID code and they will verify purity over the phone. Available Mon-Sat, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
6. Old Hallmark vs New Hallmark (Post-2021 Changes)
| Feature | Old Hallmark (Pre-2021) | New Hallmark (Post-July 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of marks | 4 marks | 3 marks |
| BIS Logo | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Purity Number | ✅ Yes (916, 750 etc.) | ✅ Yes |
| Jeweller's Mark | ✅ Yes (letter code) | ❌ Removed (replaced by HUID) |
| Assaying Centre Mark | ✅ Yes (symbol) | ❌ Removed (replaced by HUID) |
| HUID | ❌ Not available | ✅ 6-character unique code |
| Digital Verification | ❌ No way to verify | ✅ BIS Care App / website |
| Fraud Prevention | ⚠️ Easily faked | ✅ Tamper-proof digital record |
7. Is BIS Hallmark Mandatory in India?
⚖️ Legal Position (2026)
- YES — hallmarking is MANDATORY since June 16, 2021
- Applies to 14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K, and 24K gold jewellery
- Selling non-hallmarked gold is punishable under BIS Act, 2016
- Penalty: Up to ₹1 lakh fine and/or 1 year imprisonment for sellers
- Exemptions: Jewellery below 2 grams, export jewellery, watches, fountain pens
- Mandatory in all 36 states/UTs across India
8. How to Identify Fake Gold — 7 Tests
Test #1: Check BIS Hallmark & HUID
Easy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The #1 check. Look for the triangle BIS logo, purity number (916/750/999), and 6-character HUID. Verify HUID on BIS Care App.
Test #2: Magnet Test
Easy | ⭐⭐⭐Hold a strong magnet near the gold. Real gold is NOT magnetic. If it sticks or shows strong attraction, it's fake or heavily alloyed.
Test #3: Weight & Density Check
Easy | ⭐⭐⭐Gold is very dense (19.3 g/cm³). If the piece feels unusually light for its size, it may be hollow or gold-plated over a lighter metal.
Test #4: Skin Discoloration Test
Easy | ⭐⭐⭐Wear the jewellery for a few hours. If your skin turns green or black, the piece has high copper/nickel content and is not 22K.
Test #5: Ceramic/Porcelain Test
Medium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐Drag the gold piece across unglazed ceramic. Real gold leaves a gold streak. Fake gold leaves a black or grey streak.
Test #6: XRF Testing (at Jeweller)
Professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐X-Ray Fluorescence testing gives exact composition of the gold. Available at most branded jewellers. Takes 30 seconds. Most reliable non-destructive test.
Test #7: Acid Test (Assaying Centre)
Professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Nitric acid test at a BIS-recognized centre. Gold resists acid; fake metals dissolve. Destructive (tiny scratch required). Definitive proof.
9. How to File a Complaint If Gold is Fake/Impure
- Contact the jeweller first — show HUID verification failure, demand replacement or refund
- File complaint on BIS Care App → "Lodge Complaint" → upload photos and bill
- Call BIS helpline 14100 — report with jeweller details and HUID
- Consumer complaint — file at consumerhelpline.gov.in or call 1800-11-4000
- Report to local police — if the jeweller refuses to cooperate, file an FIR for cheating
- Consumer Court — for claims above ₹1 lakh, approach District Consumer Forum
10. How to Get Old Gold Jewellery Hallmarked
If you have old gold jewellery without HUID, you can get it hallmarked:
Find an AHC
Search for a BIS-recognized Assaying & Hallmarking Centre near you at bis.gov.in
Submit Jewellery
Submit the piece with your ID proof. The centre tests purity using XRF or acid test.
Pay ₹35-45
Hallmarking fee is ₹35-45 per piece (set by BIS). No additional charges.
Get HUID Stamp
If purity meets standards, the centre stamps BIS logo + purity + HUID. Takes 1-3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is HUID in gold?
HUID stands for Hallmark Unique Identification. It is a 6-character alphanumeric code stamped on every BIS-hallmarked gold jewellery piece in India since July 2021. Each HUID is unique to a specific piece and can be verified online to confirm gold purity, hallmarking centre, and jeweller details.
Q2. How to check HUID number online?
Download the BIS Care App (Android/iOS), tap "Verify HUID", enter the 6-character code, and get instant results showing purity, hallmarking centre, jeweller, and date. You can also verify at bis.gov.in or by calling the BIS helpline 14100.
Q3. What does 916 mean on gold?
916 means the gold is 22 Karat with 91.6% purity — 916 parts out of 1000 are pure gold. This is the standard purity for gold jewellery in India. Other codes: 999 = 24K (99.9% pure), 750 = 18K (75% pure), 585 = 14K (58.5% pure).
Q4. Is BIS hallmark mandatory for gold jewellery in India?
Yes. Since June 2021, BIS hallmarking with HUID is mandatory for gold jewellery sold in India in 14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K, and 24K purities. Selling non-hallmarked gold jewellery is a punishable offence under the BIS Act, 2016, with penalties up to ₹1 lakh fine and/or 1 year imprisonment.
Q5. What are the BIS hallmark symbols on gold?
The new BIS hallmark (post-2021) has 3 marks: (1) BIS Standard Mark (triangle logo), (2) Purity/Fineness number (916, 750, 999 etc.), and (3) a 6-character HUID code. The old hallmark also had the jeweller's mark and assaying centre mark, which are now replaced by HUID.
Q6. How to identify fake gold jewellery?
Check for: (1) a BIS hallmark stamp with HUID, (2) verify the HUID on the BIS Care App, (3) check weight accuracy, (4) magnet test — real gold is not magnetic, (5) look for discolouration/green marks, (6) request XRF testing at the jeweller, and (7) ask for a detailed bill with purity mentioned.
Q7. What is the difference between old and new hallmark?
Old hallmark (pre-2021) had 4 marks: BIS logo, purity, jeweller's code, and assaying centre mark. New hallmark (post-July 2021) has only 3 marks: BIS logo, purity number, and a 6-digit HUID. The HUID replaces the jeweller's mark and assaying centre mark, making verification digital and tamper-proof.
Q8. Can I get my old gold jewellery hallmarked?
Yes. Take your jewellery to any BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC). The process takes 1–3 days and costs ₹35–45 per piece. The centre will test purity and stamp the appropriate hallmark with a HUID. Find the nearest centre on the BIS website (bis.gov.in).
Q9. What to do if HUID verification fails?
If HUID verification fails or shows a different purity: (1) contact the jeweller immediately, (2) file a complaint on the BIS Care App, (3) call the BIS helpline 14100, (4) file a consumer complaint at consumerhelpline.gov.in, and (5) report to local police if fraud is suspected.
Q10. Is KDM gold hallmarked?
No. KDM (cadmium) soldering was banned by BIS in 2000 due to health hazards. Any jewellery stamped "KDM" today uses an outdated and non-compliant mark. Always look for the BIS 916 hallmark with HUID instead. KDM does NOT indicate purity.
Q11. What is the cost of gold hallmarking in India?
BIS hallmarking costs ₹35–45 per piece of jewellery, set by BIS. There are no additional government charges. Some jewellers may bundle it free with a new purchase; for old jewellery you take it directly to a BIS-recognised Assaying & Hallmarking Centre and pay this fee per piece.
Q12. Is BIS hallmark mandatory for gold below 2 grams?
No. Gold jewellery weighing less than 2 grams is exempt from mandatory hallmarking, along with export jewellery, watches, fountain pens, and gold thread. However, all jewellery 2 grams and above (in 14K–24K) must carry the BIS hallmark with HUID.
Q13. Can a HUID code be duplicated or faked?
Practically, no. Each HUID is linked to a specific jewellery piece in a central BIS database. Stamping a fake HUID is a criminal offence under the BIS Act, 2016, and any duplicate or non-existent code will show "Invalid" when verified on the BIS Care App. Always verify before buying.
Q14. How long does BIS Care App HUID verification take?
About 30 seconds. Once you enter the 6-character HUID and tap verify, the BIS Care App returns the purity (916/750/999), hallmarking centre, jeweller name, and hallmarking date almost instantly over the internet. No fee or login is required.
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- Check live prices → Today's Gold Rate in India
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🎯 Golden Rule
No hallmark = No purchase. No HUID = No trust. It's the law, and it's your right.
💡 Download BIS Care App right now and check every piece of gold jewellery you own. It takes 30 seconds per piece. Your gold is your wealth — make sure it's real.