Gold hallmarking fee hike: Check new charges

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has updated hallmarking fees for gold and silver articles. Effective from September 14, 2026, jewellers will now pay Rs 75 per gold article to a recognized Assaying and Hallmarking centre. Previously, the fee was Rs 45, marking a 66.7% increase. However, a minimum charge of Rs 200 per consignment remains unchanged. The BIS will also charge Rs 7.50 per gold article, with a minimum fee of Rs 20 per consignment.

For silver articles, the new hallmarking fee is Rs 35 per article, with a minimum charge of Rs 150 per consignment. This remains consistent with the previous rate. The Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC) will levy Rs 3.50 per silver article, subject to a minimum fee of Rs 15 per consignment.

These revised fees came into effect on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette, on September 14, 2026. They supersede Schedule IV of the Bureau of Indian Standards (Hallmarking) Regulations, 2018, which governed the hallmarking fees for gold and silver articles previously.

Hallmarking ensures the accurate determination and official recording of the proportionate content of precious metals in jewelry. In India, only gold and silver are currently subject to this process. Each hallmarked item bears a unique HUID number, a six-digit alphanumeric code that helps customers verify the authenticity of their purchase via the BIS Care App.

Jewellers displaying the BIS logo and the registration certificate in their shop, along with a minimum 10X magnifying glass, provide assurance of authenticity. The relationship between fineness and caratage should also be clearly displayed.