Gold Hallmarking Rules Changed: What You MUST Know Before Buying Gold This Season

Overhaul in BIS Norms Brings 9-Carat Jewellery Under Mandatory Hallmarking

In India, gold is not just a metal — it’s emotion, tradition, and investment. Especially during sacred months like Sawan, many families consider buying gold as auspicious. But before you step into a jewellery shop this season, there’s one major update you need to be aware of: the rules for gold hallmarking have changed.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) — the only agency authorized to regulate hallmarking in India — has expanded its hallmarking requirements to now include 9-carat gold jewellery. Until recently, hallmarking was required only for gold jewellery made from 14, 18, 20, 22, 23, and 24 carat gold. But with fraud on the rise and customers demanding better transparency, BIS has taken a major step forward.

This article will explain what these changes mean, why they matter, and how you can protect yourself when buying gold jewellery.

What is Gold Hallmarking?

Gold hallmarking is a certification that confirms the purity of gold in a piece of jewellery. It assures the buyer that what they’re paying for is genuine — not mixed with excessive alloys or impurities.

In India, hallmarking is controlled by BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), which tests the jewellery and stamps it with a hallmark indicating its carat (purity level).

A typical BIS hallmark includes:

BIS Logo
Purity in Carats and Fineness
Assaying & Hallmarking Centre's Mark
Jeweller’s Identification Mark

For example, 22K916 means 22 carat gold with 91.6% purity.

What’s the New Rule?

Previously, hallmarking was not required for 9-carat gold. But that’s changed.

Now, 9-carat jewellery is also included in the mandatory hallmarking system.

Let’s break it down:

Carat	Purity (%)	Hallmarking Status
24K	99.9%	Mandatory
23K	95.8%	Mandatory
22K	91.6%	Mandatory
20K	83.3%	Mandatory
18K	75%	Mandatory
14K	58.5%	Mandatory
9K	37.5%	Now Mandatory

So from now on, if a jeweller is selling 9-carat gold jewellery, they must get it hallmarked by a BIS-approved centre before offering it to customers.

Why Was This Rule Introduced?

The decision to include 9-carat gold under mandatory hallmarking was made to protect customers from fraud and to ensure clarity in gold purity.

There are three main reasons behind this decision:

Growing Use of 9-Carat Jewellery:
Due to rising gold prices, many people — especially the younger generation — are opting for lighter and more affordable jewellery. 9-carat gold, being cheaper, fits the bill.
Customer Transparency:
Lower purity gold is more likely to be misrepresented. By hallmarking 9-carat jewellery, customers can now buy with confidence, knowing they’re getting what they paid for.
Design Flexibility:
Jewellers say that 9-carat gold allows for more modern, stylish, and lightweight designs. The new hallmarking rule will promote safe innovation in design.

What is 9-Carat Gold?

Let’s understand what 9-carat gold really means:

9K gold contains only 37.5% pure gold, with the rest being metals like copper, silver, zinc, etc.
It is stronger and more durable than higher karat gold.
It is also much more affordable, which makes it attractive for budget-conscious buyers or for jewellery that is worn daily.

Though it has less gold, it still looks like gold, and now with hallmarking, you can be sure about its exact purity.

Benefits of the New Rule for Customers

The government’s move to include 9-carat gold under hallmarking is being hailed as customer-friendly and future-ready. Here’s why it benefits you:

✅ 1. Greater Trust and Transparency

You’ll now know exactly what you’re buying. There’s no room for false claims about purity anymore.

✅ 2. More Affordable Options

As gold prices remain high, 9-carat jewellery becomes a wallet-friendly choice — now made safer with hallmarking.

✅ 3. Wider Design Choices

Lightweight, trendy, and affordable jewellery can now be designed using 9-carat gold, all without compromising trust.

✅ 4. Resale Value Assurance

Hallmarked jewellery — even at lower purity — is easier to resell or exchange, because buyers know its authenticity.

What This Means for Jewellers

The BIS has made it compulsory for all jewellers selling 9-carat gold to comply with the new rules. This includes:

Getting jewellery tested and hallmarked at a BIS-recognized centre.
Displaying the hallmark clearly on each product.
Maintaining records to show compliance with the new standards.

Failure to follow these rules could result in penalties, including cancellation of license or fines.

So if your jeweller offers 9-carat gold without a hallmark — walk away.

What’s NOT Covered Under Hallmarking (Yet)?

Even though the rules are tightening, there are still a few exceptions. For example:

Gold watches and gold pens are not yet covered under mandatory hallmarking.
Old jewellery or heirlooms are also not required to be hallmarked unless they’re being sold.

However, the BIS is considering expanding the scope of hallmarking even further in the future.

Tips for Customers Before Buying Gold Jewellery

Always Ask for the Hallmark
Whether it’s 24K or 9K, insist on seeing the BIS mark.
Match the Carat
Ensure that the carat purity mentioned in the bill matches the hallmark stamp.
Check the Invoice
Your bill should clearly mention:
- Gold weight
- Carat purity
- Hallmarking charges (if any)
- Making charges
Buy from BIS-Registered Jewellers
Only jewellers registered with BIS are allowed to sell hallmarked gold legally.
Be Cautious with Discounts
If a jeweller is offering a very cheap rate, be cautious. There could be a catch — such as low purity or fake stamps.

What if You Already Own Unhallmarked Jewellery?

If you already own 9-carat gold jewellery without hallmarking, don’t panic. It’s not illegal to own it — just make sure to get it tested if you plan to sell or exchange it.

You can visit any BIS-certified centre for gold testing and hallmarking, though some fees may apply.

Future Outlook: What to Expect

With digital payments, online gold buying, and growing demand for transparency, India’s gold sector is quickly becoming more organized and customer-centric.

Here’s what we can expect in coming years:

More carat options under mandatory hallmarking
Expansion into other gold items (like coins, pens, watches)
Digital verification of hallmarks via BIS apps
Tighter penalties for fraud

This update is a step in the right direction to build trust, protect customers, and standardize the gold industry in India.

Conclusion: Know Before You Buy

In summary, the Indian government has now made hallmarking mandatory for 9-carat gold jewellery — a move aimed at protecting consumers and offering more trustworthy, affordable options.

As a buyer, your job is to stay informed, check for hallmarks, and buy only from authorized sellers. Whether you’re buying a wedding ring, a festive necklace, or a light office-wear bracelet, make sure it comes with a BIS hallmark — now even for 9-carat gold.

Gold may shine bright, but a BIS hallmark shines even brighter — it protects your trust.

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