Gold hallmarking charges increased by 67 percent ahead of this festive season. The Bureau of Indian Standards revised these fees, which came into effect on September 14, 2026. Jewellers now pay Rs 75 per gold article instead of Rs 45. You will likely see this extra cost on your final bill.
Synopsis
In September 2026, just ahead of the start of the festive season, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) had revised the hallmarking charges applicable to gold and silver articles. Gold hallmarking was made mandatory in June 2021 to enhance the credibility of gold jewellery. Yes, jewellers add the fee to your final bill. Know the formula that jewellers typically use to calculate the final price.
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If you are planning to add another piece of gold jewellery to your collection this festive season, you might end up paying more. This is because a key charge added to the final bill was recently hiked by 67%.
In September 2026, just ahead of the start of the festive season, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) had revised the hallmarking charges applicable to gold and silver articles. Gold hallmarking was made mandatory in June 2021 to enhance the credibility of gold jewellery.
At present, the hallmarking scheme for gold jewellery and artefacts covers seven gold caratages - 9K, 14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K and 24K.
How much will you pay for gold hallmarking this Dhanteras?
While you should certainly buy only gold hallmarked jewellery, know that the fee would cost you more this Dhanteras due to the recent price increase. The changes in gold hallmarking fees were notified through the BIS (Hallmarking) Amendment Regulations, 2026, and came into effect on September 14, 2026.
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Now, jewellers will have to shell out Rs 75 per gold article to a recognised Assaying and Hallmarking centre. Earlier the price was Rs 45, translating into a jump of nearly 67%. Note that a minimum fee of Rs 200 per consignment will apply, as per the official notification.
What about silver hallmarking charges?
For silver jewellery or articles, no change in the price has been announced and jewellers will continue to pay a hallmarking fee of Rs 35 per article, with a minimum charge of Rs 150 per consignment.
Other than this, the BIS fee payable by the AHC for silver articles will be Rs 3.50 per article, subject to a minimum fee of Rs 15 per consignment.
Why you should buy hallmarked jewellery
The BIS explains that a hallmarked piece of jewellery gives third party assurance and satisfaction that you are getting the right purity of gold/silver for the given price (value for money).
Since the introduction of HUID (from July 1, 2021) hallmark consists of 3 marks - BIS logo, purity of the article in caratage as well as fineness and six-digit alphanumeric HUID number.
When buying hallmarked jewellery, remember that the jeweller has to show the logo of BIS with the wording “Hallmarked jewellery available for sale”. Further, the jeweller will also have to display a certificate of registration issued by BIS in their store. They will also have to show you the relation of fineness with caratage.
Permissible sizes (height) of hallmark on gold/silver articles
The permissible sizes (height) of the hallmark are:
Gold (mm) Silver (mm) 1.5 4 1 2 0.75 1.5 0.5 1 - 0.75
(Source: BIS)
Are hallmark charges added to your total bill?
Yes, jewellers add the fee to your final bill. This is the formula that jewellers typically use to calculate the final price of a piece of jewellery:
Total = [(Net weight × Day's rate × Purity) + Making charges + Wastage] × 1.03 + Hallmarking fee
When you take the ‘net weight’ into consideration, keep in mind that it is the weight of the gold alone, after any stones are deducted. The purity factor is 0.916 for 22K and 0.75 for 18K. Making charges cover labour and design. Wastage covers gold lost in crafting. The ‘1.03’ adds 3% GST.