Buying gold without verifying its authenticity can lead to financial loss. That’s why knowing how check a gold hallmark online is essential before purchasing or selling jewellery. With the BIS Care app, you can instantly verify gold purity, jeweller details, and hallmark certification using your smartphone.
This guide explains what BIS hallmarking is, how to verify gold online step by step, and why it matters, along with answers to common questions.
What Is Gold Hallmarking and Why It Matters
BIS Hallmarking is a certification system that verifies the purity of precious metals such as gold and silver. It ensures that the gold jewellery you purchase meets the declared fineness (purity level).
Why Gold Hallmarking Matters:
- Protects consumers from adulterated or under purity gold
- Ensures transparency in gold trade
- Enhances resale and investment value
- Builds trust between buyers and jewellers
Since June 2021, hallmarking has been made mandatory in phases across India for most gold jewellery categories.
Components of BIS Gold Hallmark
Before checking online, you should know what to look for on your jewellery. A BIS hallmarked gold item contains six key marks under the latest system:
- BIS Logo – Indicates certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards
- Purity/Fineness Mark – Example: 22K916, 18K750
- Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) – A six digit alphanumeric code
- Jeweller’s Identification Mark – Registered BIS jeweller code
- Assaying & Hallmarking Centre Mark – Testing centre identifier
- Year of Marking (older system only)
The HUID number is the most critical element for online verification.
What Is HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) in Gold Hallmarking
HUID is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code permanently laser-etched on every BIS-hallmarked gold jewellery item.
Why HUID Is Important:
- Each jewellery piece has a unique identity
- Prevents duplication or fraud
- Enables online verification through BIS systems
- Helps trace jeweller and testing centre details
Example format: A1B2C3
Gold Hallmark Check Online Using BIS Care App
To make gold hallmark verification easy for consumers, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides the BIS Care mobile app. Using this app, you can quickly perform a gold hallmark check online by entering or scanning the HUID printed on your jewellery. Follow the steps below to verify gold purity and authenticity.
- Download the BIS Care App
First, download the BIS Care app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This official app is developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to help consumers verify gold hallmarks online.
- Open the App and Select “Verify HUID”
Once installed, open the app and select Verify HUID option from the home screen.
- Enter the HUID Number
Carefully enter the six digit alphanumeric HUID engraved on your gold jewellery. Make sure you type each character correctly, as even a small mistake can affect the result.
- Submit the Details
After entering the HUID, tap on Search to proceed with the gold hallmark check.
- Review the Verification Result
After submitting the HUID, the app shows key details such as the Jeweller Registration Number, Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC), AHC Recognition Number, AHC Address, Article Type, Article Material, Date of Hallmarking and Purity/Fineness. If all these details match the information on your jewellery, it confirms that your gold is BIS certified and authentic.
What to Do If Your Gold Hallmark Check Online Fails
If the system shows “No Record Found” or incorrect details, it may indicate:
- Fake or tampered hallmark
- Typing error in HUID
- Non-BIS certified jewellery
- Old jewellery without HUID (pre 2021 items)
What You Should Do:
- Recheck the HUID carefully
- Contact the jeweller for clarification
- File a complaint through the BIS Care App
- Get independent purity testing from a certified lab
Besides using BIS Care, you can check gold purity at home with simple and accurate testing methods.
Gold Purity Marks Explained (Common Hallmark Standards)
| Karat | Fineness Mark | Gold Purity |
|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 | 99.9% |
| 22K | 916 | 91.6% |
| 20K | 833 | 83.3% |
| 18K | 750 | 75.0% |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% |
Benefits of Gold Hallmark Check Online Before Buying Jewellery
- Instant authenticity verification
- Protection from fraud
- Transparency in gold purchases
- Better resale and exchange value
- Confidence in long-term investment
Online verification empowers buyers and encourages ethical gold trade practices.
Tips for Buying BIS Hallmarked Gold Jewellery Safely
- Always ask for BIS hallmarked jewellery only
- Check HUID before leaving the store
- Verify using BIS Care App on the spot
- Keep invoice with HUID mentioned
- Avoid jewellery without clear hallmark marks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. BIS hallmarking is mandatory for most gold jewellery categories in India, except for certain exemptions like watches, pens, and medical instruments.
Jewellery made before the HUID system (pre 2021) may not be verifiable online. Such items require physical purity testing at a certified assaying centre.
First, recheck the HUID. If it still fails, contact the jeweller immediately and file a complaint using the BIS Care App.
Yes. The BIS Care App is completely free and officially provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
No gold jewellery is 100% pure except 24K gold. BIS hallmark guarantees that the jewellery meets the declared purity standard within permissible limits.
