In a significant push to guarantee the purity of precious metals, India has successfully hallmarked more than 1.7 million silver articles with the unique HUID code in just the first three months of its mandatory implementation. This move marks a pivotal shift in the country's efforts to protect consumers and eradicate fraudulent practices in the jewellery sector.
A Landmark Shift in Silver Hallmarking
The government's mandate for Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) on silver jewellery has seen rapid adoption, with over 17 lakh (1.7 million) silver articles receiving the secure, six-digit alphanumeric code between September and November 2025. This system, already in force for gold, represents a critical expansion. Officials state that the HUID provides an unbreakable link between a piece of jewellery and its recorded purity at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), making each item fully traceable.
Combating Fraud and Ensuring Trust
The primary driver behind this initiative is the elimination of counterfeit hallmarks and the assurance of stated purity for consumers. "HUID in silver jewellery hallmarking marks a significant step forward in strengthening purity assurance and eliminating fake hallmarking practices," stated Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. Before HUID, traditional hallmarks could be replicated, but the unique, laser-inscribed code for each item makes duplication virtually impossible. Consumers can now simply verify the purity of their silver purchases by entering the HUID number on the BIS portal or mobile app.
Implications for the Market and Consumers
This large-scale implementation within a short timeframe signals strong compliance from jewellers and assay centres. For the domestic market, it builds a foundation of greater transparency and consumer confidence. The move is expected to standardize the silver jewellery trade, discourage the sale of sub-standard or adulterated metal, and formalize a significant segment of the industry. The data, reported by journalist Ajith Athrady and last updated on 04 December 2025, underscores a proactive governmental approach to consumer protection in the precious metals industry.
The successful rollout for silver, following gold, paves the way for a more robust and trustworthy ecosystem for all precious metal jewellery in India, empowering buyers with verified information and quality assurance.
