Does silver jewelry sold in India need a BIS hallmark?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

According to India's Press Information Bureau in December 2025, the silver hallmarking scheme remains voluntary, but if a silver article is hallmarked it must carry a HUID mark. This is a fast-moving area, so check current rules before you ship.

What the government says

Fact A PIB release dated 4 December 2025 states that while the Silver Hallmarking Scheme remains voluntary, HUID marking has been made mandatory for any silver article that is hallmarked.

Fact The same release says the revised Indian Standard includes seven purity grades: 800, 835, 925, 958, 970, 990 and 999, and that grades 925 and 800 make up nearly 90% of hallmarked items.

What it means in practice

Our advice If you want to sell pieces described as hallmarked in India, they need to go through a BIS-recognised Assay and Hallmarking Centre, and carry the HUID.

Our advice If you sell unhallmarked silver, check that your claims, such as the fineness stated, can be shown to be true.

It depends Rules for importers and sellers, and any change from voluntary to mandatory, can change by notification. Ask a customs broker or a local partner.

Practical steps for an exporter

Our advice Ask your Indian buyer or agent whether they expect hallmarked goods, since many retailers may prefer them even where the scheme is voluntary. Make sure your commercial invoice describes the fineness accurately, for example 925 sterling silver, and keep test reports. If you do plan to hallmark, ask the partner how long the process takes and what it costs, because hallmarking adds a step before goods reach the shelf.

Our advice Check the current rules with the BIS or a local adviser before you sell into India, and ask your supplier how pieces will be marked. Keep documents about the hallmarking process with your records.

Our advice Do not rely on a general summary like this one for legal decisions.

Uncertain We could not confirm whether any mandatory rollout date applies for silver, and we have not checked import conditions. Treat this as a starting point only.

Related reading: Can I wear silver jewelry in a new piercing? · Jewelry Hallmarks and Stamps Explained

Sources

• Press Information Bureau (India), silver hallmarking release
• Bureau of Indian Standards, hallmarking

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.