In a significant move to bolster consumer trust and ensure purity in the precious metals market, the Indian government has announced a major milestone in silver jewellery hallmarking. More than 17.35 lakh (1.735 million) silver jewellery items have now been registered with a unique Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID) number.
A Landmark Achievement for Consumer Protection
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi revealed this data, highlighting it as a critical step forward in the nation's quality assurance framework for jewellery. The HUID system, which assigns a unique, tamper-proof code to each hallmarked piece, is designed to provide an unambiguous guarantee of purity. This initiative directly addresses long-standing concerns about counterfeit hallmarks and inconsistent quality in the silver jewellery market.
"HUID in silver jewellery hallmarking marks a significant step forward in strengthening purity assurance and eliminating fake hallmarking practices," Minister Joshi stated. The announcement was made on December 4, 2025, marking a new chapter in India's consumer protection measures for precious metal buyers.
How HUID Transforms the Jewellery Buying Experience
The implementation of HUID brings transparency and traceability to the forefront. Each piece of jewellery now carries a six-digit alphanumeric code that is laser-marked. Consumers can easily verify the authenticity and purity details of their purchase by entering this HUID number on the official Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) portal or mobile app. This process effectively eliminates the possibility of fraud and gives buyers complete confidence in their investment.
The figure of over 17.35 lakh items demonstrates rapid adoption by jewellers across the country. This widespread compliance is crucial for creating a level playing field and eradicating malpractices from the industry. The move is expected to standardize quality and make India's silver jewellery market more reliable for both domestic consumers and international buyers.
The Road Ahead for Hallmarking in India
This milestone in silver jewellery follows the successful implementation of HUID for gold articles. The government's push for mandatory hallmarking with HUID is part of a larger vision to modernize the jewellery sector and align it with global best practices. The system not only protects consumers but also supports honest jewellers by distinguishing their certified products from substandard or fake ones.
The benefits of this digital leap are multifold:
- Enhanced Consumer Trust: Buyers can independently verify purity, reducing reliance on seller claims.
- Curbing Counterfeits: Fake hallmarks become virtually impossible to replicate convincingly.
- Market Formalization: Encourages all players to adhere to standardized quality norms.
- Data-Driven Regulation: Provides the government with accurate data on hallmarked jewellery for better policy-making.
As the system matures and more jewellers come on board, the number of HUID-registered silver items is expected to grow exponentially. This initiative represents a firm commitment by the authorities to safeguard the interests of millions of Indians who invest in precious metal jewellery every year, ensuring they get exactly what they pay for.
