Recent Updates on Hallmarking Guidelines and Obligations

Important Updates on Hallmarking Chetan Bhandari Director (Hallmarking) IBJA

Road Ahead Road Ahead BIS after consultation with various stake holders considering the following:- Addition of 9K375 under mandatory Hallmarking Introduction of mandatory Hallmarking on Gold Bullion & Coins Replacement of old Hallmarkings with HUID on Silver Jewellery/Articles Automation for Hallmarking procedures carried out by AHC Display of Weight and Removal of Date of Hallmarking on BIS Care App Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended to remove certain exemptions viz. Jewellers having less than 40 lakhs turnover, less than 2 grams and Kundan, Polki & Jadau jewellery.

New BIS Guidelines New BIS Guidelines Revised Guidelines for Grant, Operation, Surveillance & Cancellation of Certificate of Registration of Jeweller has come into effect from 01.01.2024 The revisions made in the Guidelines for Jewellers: i) Display requirements ii) Market Surveillance Procedure iii) Sealing of the Sample drawn including uploading the photograph iv)Transit Insurance of the samples drawn

Display requirements Display requirements 1. On the outside of the sales outlet, the registered jeweller shall display the logo of BIS with the wording Hallmarked Jewellery available for sale as shown 2. The certificate of registration shall be displayed prominently in the sales outlet. 3. Inside the sales outlet, the following information shall be displayed :- 3.1 Marking (components of hallmark) to be seen on Hallmarked article. 3.2 Magnifying glass of min 10X for customers to verify the HUID details. 3.3 Weighing balance of 0.01 g accuracy. 3.4 Contact details of BIS office and Facilitation Centre of BIS for any query or complaint; 3.5 Hallmarking charges - Rs. 45 per article for gold jewellery / artefacts. -Rs. 35 per article for silver jewellery/artefacts 3.6 Consumer can verify the authenticity of gold jewellery by using 'Verify HUID feature' on the BIS Care App and display the poster of BIS Care App.

Other Obligations Other Obligations KDM or fineness/caratage marks are not sent to A & H centre for hallmarking. Medallions which resemble with currency of any country may not be sent. Invoice to mention:- description of each article, net weight of precious metal, purity in carat and fineness hallmarking charges The consumer can get the purity of the hallmarked jewellery/artefacts verified from any of the BIS recognized A&H centre. The list of BIS recognized A&H centre along with address and contact details is available on the website.

Market Surveillance Market Surveillance 1. BO should undertake at least one market surveillance every year 2. Undertaken by team of at least two BIS representatives 3. Jeweller can also verify the identity of the HMA and BIS staff 4. Randomly verifying the authenticity of the HUID code. 5. A minimum of 5 hallmarked pieces, preferably of the same variety, needs to be verified.

Unfair Practises Unfair Practises Hallmarking Regulation, 2018 stipulates unfair practices amounting to misuse of hallmark which may lead to cancellation of the certificate of registration. The unfair practices are not limited to, but may include one or more of the following situations: a) Hallmarking done from non-recognized A&H Centre; b) Counterfeiting of Hallmark on articles; c) Sale of articles with incomplete Hallmark; d) Tempering with the sealed counter sample

Sustainable Development

The Gold The Gold Cycle Cycle The Gold Cycle broadly consisting of following stages: Exploration: The process begins with exploration, where geologists identify potential gold deposits. Mining: Once identified, mining operations commence to extract gold-bearing ore. Refining: Mined ore undergoes extensive refining to separate gold from impurities. Processing: The refined gold is then processed into various forms, such as bars, coins, and jewellery. HUID on all the articles of jewellery through BIS recognised Assaying & Hallmarking Centres have become mandatory and now a very important Quality Check & Controls process. Distribution: Gold is distributed worldwide through a network of dealers, banks, and jewellers. Consumption: End-users, including individuals and industries, acquire gold for various purposes. Recycling: Gold is 100% recyclable and can be recovered multiple times without losing any of their properties.

Challenge Challenges s While gold presents opportunities for India, it also poses challenges: Environmental manufacturing processes. concerns related to mining, refining and Illicit practices, such as illegal mining, smuggling and tax evasions impact the industry. In a study done by the National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development for Niti Aayog, it was mentioned: o 42% of the units do not have fire extinguisher. o 56% of the units do not have any first aid box. o Provision of uniform for workers and separate toilet facility for women were lacking in 89% and 86.9% respectively.

Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Development Goals and and Hallmarking Hallmarking It contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering innovation in tracking and data management. It empowers consumers to make informed choices, contributing to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The HUID scheme aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting transparency and traceability in the jewellery industry.

Shared Vision for Sustainable Shared Vision for Sustainable Gold Industry Gold Industry 1. Responsible Sourcing: Promote ethical and responsible sourcing of gold to support SDGs. 2. Environmental Stewardship: Minimize the ecological footprint of mining and refining operations. 3. Community Development: Invest in communities affected by mining and manufacturing activities. 4. Innovation: Encourage research into sustainable extraction and recycling methods. Transparency: Enhance transparency in the gold supply chain to combat illicit practices. 5. 6. Promote the use of recycled gold to reduce the demand for newly mined gold.

7. Educate consumers about the ethical and environmental aspects of jewellery purchasing. 8. Support local artisans and small-scale jewellery producers who prioritize sustainability. 9. The HUID scheme is a game-changer, empowering consumers and strengthening the jewellery industry's commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. 10. As consumers become more informed and discerning, jewellers will be incentivized to uphold the highest standards. 11. Enforcement & stricter hallmarking regulations will further promote ethical and sustainable jewellery practices.

Thank You All for your active participation and welcome any questions or reflections on the topic.