Dhanteras shoppers should check the BIS hallmark to verify gold and silver purity before buying. The BIS logo, purity grade, and six-digit HUID code are essential markings. Effective September 14, 2026, BIS revised hallmarking fees for jewellers. Buyers must also consider the flat 3 percent GST on all jewellery purchases.
With the festive buying season underway, Dhanteras shoppers should know how to identify the purity of gold and silver jewellery before buying. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmark is the primary identifier for verifying the purity of precious metal articles. It certifies the metal's purity, such as 22K or 24K gold, and carries three key markings: the BIS logo, the purity grade expressed in karat or millesimal fineness, and a six-digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) code. Recently, BIS revised the hallmarking fee structure for gold and silver articles, effective September 14, 2026.
Under the amended Bureau of Indian Standards (Hallmarking) Regulations, 2026, jewellers submitting gold articles to recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) must pay Rs 75 per article, subject to a minimum charge of Rs 200 per consignment. For silver articles, the fee is Rs 35 per article, with a minimum charge of Rs 150 per consignment. The notification also specifies the fees that AHCs will collect on behalf of BIS. For gold articles, the charge is Rs 7.50 per article, subject to a minimum of Rs 20 per consignment. For silver jewellery, the charge is Rs 3.50 per article, with a minimum of Rs 15 per consignment.
Applicable taxes will be levied separately. In addition to hallmarking-related costs, precious metal jewellery attracts GST at a flat rate of 3 percent. This comprises 1.5 percent CGST and 1.5 percent SGST for intra-state sales, or 3 percent IGST for inter-state transactions. The GST rate remains unchanged regardless of gold purity. The timing of the revision is significant for the jewellery industry, as the months leading up to Dhanteras and Diwali typically see increased buying activity. This is followed by the wedding season, which further boosts demand for precious metal jewellery. For jewellers, the revised fee structure adds another cost consideration as they prepare inventory for the festive season.
For buyers, understanding hallmarking, GST and other charges is important when comparing jewellery prices and evaluating the final bill. Meanwhile, the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) pegged the price of 24-karat gold at Rs 1,44,129 per 10 grams in its evening price fixing on November 5. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol.com are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.