HUID-based silver hallmarking in India 2025 ensures digital traceability, authenticity, and purity verification through BIS Care app. Learn grades, HUID codes, and AHCs.
Voluntary HUID-Based Silver Hallmarking Begins in India
Introduction to the New Silver Hallmarking System
From September 1, 2025, India has launched a voluntary HUID-based hallmarking system for silver jewellery and articles, significantly upgrading traceability and authenticity in the sector
This initiative comes under the revised BIS standard IS 2112:2025, replacing the earlier 2014 versionIt aims to bring silver hallmarking in line with already-established gold hallmark protocols, by introducing a digitally traceable format.
What Is HUID-Based Hallmarking?
HUID (Hallmarking Unique Identification) is a 6-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each hallmarked piece. When purchasing silver articles, consumers can now verify critical details—such as purity, first sale date, hallmarking centre, and jeweller’s registration—through the BIS Care mobile app
Each hallmark now consists of three components:
- The BIS Standard Mark with the label ‘SILVER’
- The Purity Grade (e.g., 925, 958, 999)
- The HUID Code
What Changed from the 2014 Standard?
| Feature | IS 2112:2014 (Old) | IS 2112:2025 (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Purity Grades | 800, 835, 900, 925, 970, 990 | 800, 835, 925, 958*, 970, 990, 999* |
| Hallmark Components | 4 (BIS mark, purity, AHC ID, jeweller ID) | 3 (BIS mark, purity, HUID code) |
| Traceability | Manual or limited | Digital and nationwide via BIS Care App |
*Grades 958 and 999 are newly added in the 2025 revision
Implementation and Infrastructure
- Approx. 230 Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) across 87 districts are BIS-recognized to perform this testing
- In FY 2024–25, over 3.2 million silver articles were hallmarked under the old system
- A stakeholder consultation including over 80 participants—jewellers, AHCs, and consumers—was held on August 7, 2025, to ensure smooth transition
- Awareness campaigns are being run via BIS branch offices and social media to educate the public
Why This News Is Important
Enhanced Consumer Protection
The shift to digitally traceable hallmarking fosters greater transparency and accountability, helping consumers confirm the purity and legitimacy of silver jewellery before purchase. This builds trust and eliminates fraud—a key concern for exam-focused aspirants evaluating policy outcomes.
Standardization with Gold Hallmarking
By aligning silver hallmarking processes with well-established gold protocols, the government now enforces uniform standards and strengthens regulatory coherence across precious metals.
Digital Empowerment Through Technology
The BIS Care app introduces a user-friendly and nationwide platform for verifying hallmark data—reflecting India’s move toward digital governance. Understanding such digital schemes is crucial for aspirants across sectors, especially banking, railways, and civil services.
Institutional and Outreach Readiness
With over 230 AHCs and extensive awareness campaigns, BIS demonstrates institutional readiness and wide outreach—critical in understanding how reforms are operationalized at scale across the country.
Historical Context: Evolution of Silver Hallmarking
- 2005: BIS introduced voluntary silver hallmarking under IS 2112:2005, issuing registration certificates to jewellers meeting standards
- 2014: Revision to IS 2112:2014 introduced a four-component hallmark system and six purity grades (800–990)
- 2025: The latest shift to IS 2112:2025 removes one component (replaced by HUID), adds purity grades 958 and 999, and introduces digital hallmarking—marking a full transition toward traceable, modern validation systems
- This evolution highlights India’s progressive standardization of the hallmarking regime, adapting to technological climates and consumer demands.
Key Takeaways from “Voluntary HUID-Based Silver Hallmarking Begins in India”
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Launch Date: Voluntary HUID-based silver hallmarking started on September 1, 2025, per BIS standard IS 2112:2025. |
| 2 | Hallmark Features: New hallmark includes BIS mark, Purity Grade, and HUID code, offering digital traceability. |
| 3 | Purity Grades: Seven gradations now recognized—800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990, 999 (with 958 & 999 newly added). |
| 4 | Digital Verification: Consumers can validate hallmark details (purity, date, AHC, jeweller ID) via the BIS Care mobile app. |
| 5 | Infrastructure: Over 230 AHCs across 87 districts enabled; stakeholder consultations and awareness drives ensure effective implementation. |
FAQs: Voluntary HUID-Based Silver Hallmarking
Q1. What is HUID in silver hallmarking?
A: HUID stands for Hallmarking Unique Identification, a 6-digit alphanumeric code that digitally tracks each hallmarked silver article, providing details of purity, jeweller, AHC, and date of hallmarking.
Q2. When did voluntary HUID-based silver hallmarking start in India?
A: It began on September 1, 2025, under the BIS standard IS 2112:2025.
Q3. Which purity grades are included under the new standard IS 2112:2025?
A: The grades are 800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990, and 999, with 958 and 999 being newly added.
Q4. How can consumers verify the HUID of silver jewellery?
A: Through the BIS Care mobile app, which provides information on purity, date of hallmarking, AHC, and jeweller registration.
Q5. How many Assaying & Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) are authorized under the new scheme?
A: Over 230 AHCs across 87 districts are recognized by BIS.
Q6. Is silver hallmarking mandatory in India?
A: No, HUID-based silver hallmarking is voluntary, unlike gold which is mandatory.
Q7. Why is the new HUID system important for consumers?
A: It ensures authenticity, transparency, and traceability, reducing fraud in silver jewellery purchases.
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