Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID)

March 5, 2023

Recently, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs said that the sale of gold jewellery mandates a Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) from April 1, 2023.

About Hallmark Unique Identification:

  • The HUID is a unique 6-digit alphanumeric code consisting of numbers and letters.
  • The HUID will be given to every piece of jewellery at the time of hallmarking and it is unique for every piece of jewellery.
  • This unique number is stamped manually, on jewellery at the Assaying & Hallmarking centres.
  • Present scenario: Earlier, the HUID used to be 4 digits and now both 4 and 6-digit HUIDs are used in the market.
  • From April 1st 2023, only 6-digit alphanumeric codes will be allowed.
  • Symbol - The BIS Hallmark consists of 3 symbols namely the BIS logo, Purity/Fineness Grade, and a six-digit alphanumeric code
  • The authenticity of hallmarked jewellery can be checked by using the 'verify HUID' feature on the BIS Care App.

What is the Bureau of Indian Standards?

  • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India established under the BIS Act 2016.
  • Objective: Harmonious development of the activities of standardisation, and quality assurance of goods and articles.
  • It works under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
  • BIS represents India in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).