India may move towards compulsory hallmarking of silver jewellery and artefacts as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) evaluates the infrastructure and regulatory measures needed for nationwide implementation, according to The Economic Times.
BIS is studying the readiness of the hallmarking ecosystem before introducing mandatory compliance. While silver hallmarking has been available on a voluntary basis since 2005, the sector has seen increased traceability since the introduction of Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) numbers for hallmarked silver articles in September 2025.
Silver products are sold through a wide range of retail channels and include not only jewellery but also artefacts and decorative items.
BIS Director General Sanjay Garg said the standards body is taking a measured approach to implementation, noting that systems and processes must be fully established before any mandatory framework is introduced, The Economic Times reported.
The agency plans to introduce compulsory hallmarking in stages rather than through an immediate nationwide rollout. BIS currently recognises around 230 Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) for testing silver jewellery.