Mysuru:  An awareness programme on BIS Hallmarking scheme of Gold and Silver Jewellery, organised by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Bengaluru Branch Office, was held for jewellers in city on Mar. 25. Jewellers were apprised about quality control order for mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery/artefacts and the salient features of Hallmarking.  

Amit Roy, Scientist-F & Head of Bengaluru Branch Office, stressed on the objective of Hallmarking to provide Consumer Protection, ensure value for money for consumer or both. He informed that the registration process for jewellers has been made completely online and registration certificate with five years validity is granted which can be downloaded instantly. The certificate can be renewed online thereafter. 

He said that selling Hallmarked jewellery from June 1, 2021 without a valid registration is an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and a hefty fine of Rs. 1 lakh. Compensation to consumer shall be two times of the difference in purity from the declared purity in addition to testing charges paid by the consumer.

President of Mysuru Jewellers Association, Amarnath,  asked jewellers not having BIS Hallmark registration to apply for the same before June 2021 in view of mandatory Hallmarking Quality control order. He informed that Hallmarking registration would project them as Quality Conscious to Consumer.

Prem Sajani Patnala, Scientist-D, explained the policy for registration of jewellers which included procedure for application for registration, list of documents to be submitted and necessary fee structure applicable. The Scientist said that it is compulsory from June 1, 2021 to sell gold jewellery in fineness of 916 (22 carat), 750 (18 carat) and 585 (14 carat) only.

During open house discussion many queries were raised by the jewellers which were answered to their satisfaction. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by Srinivas, Scientist C, Bangalore Branch office.

BIS, the National Standards Body of India functioning under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, is operating the Hallmarking Scheme for Gold Jewellery to protect consumers against the purchase of gold jewellery with lesser purity than declared and to develop export competitiveness to make India as a leading gold market centre in the world besides providing Product certification, Standardisation activities for products etc. Hallmarking is the accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metal in the jewellery / artefacts or bullion/coins.