Government Issues 2025 Amendment to Gold Jewellery Hallmarking Order: Key Updates and Implications
In a significant regulatory move aimed at strengthening consumer protection and enhancing transparency in the gold market, the Government of India has officially notified the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts (Amendment) Order, 2025. The amendment was published in the Gazette of India on 1st August 2025 and comes into immediate effect from the date of its publication.
This latest amendment builds upon the original Hallmarking Order, 2020, which made hallmarking mandatory for gold jewellery and artefacts across India. Over the years, the government has introduced multiple revisions to expand coverage and streamline compliance. The 2025 amendment is another step in that direction, primarily focusing on expanding the geographical scope of mandatory hallmarking.
Major Update: Expansion of Hallmarking Districts
The most notable change introduced through this amendment is the replacement of the existing Annexure, which contains the list of districts where hallmarking is mandatory. The revised Annexure significantly expands the number of districts covered under the hallmarking regime.
The updated list now includes a large number of districts across almost all states and union territories, such as:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Assam
- Bihar
- Delhi
- Gujarat
- Haryana
- Karnataka
- Maharashtra
- Tamil Nadu
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal, and many more
For example, in Uttar Pradesh, districts like Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Kanpur Nagar, Varanasi, and Meerut have been included, ensuring wider coverage in one of India’s largest gold-consuming states.
This expansion reflects the government’s intent to bring more regions under mandatory hallmarking compliance, especially those with high gold trade activity.
Objective Behind the Amendment
The primary objective of the amendment is to:
- Strengthen consumer confidence in gold purchases
- Ensure purity and authenticity of gold jewellery
- Prevent fraud and malpractice in the jewellery market
- Promote standardization under BIS norms
By increasing the number of districts where hallmarking is compulsory, the government aims to ensure that consumers across both urban and semi-urban areas receive certified and genuine gold products.
Background: Hallmarking in India
Hallmarking is a certification process regulated under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016. It verifies the purity of gold jewellery and artefacts and includes details such as:
- BIS logo
- Purity in karat and fineness
- Assaying and hallmarking centre identification
- Jeweller’s identification mark
The original order issued in 2020 made hallmarking mandatory in selected districts, which were gradually increased through amendments in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. The 2025 amendment continues this phased expansion strategy.
Impact on Jewellers and Businesses
1. Mandatory Compliance in New Districts
Jewellers operating in newly added districts must now ensure that all gold jewellery sold is BIS hallmarked.
2. Increased Regulatory Oversight
Businesses will be subject to stricter monitoring and compliance checks by authorities.
3. Need for BIS Registration
Jewellers must obtain BIS registration and tie up with authorized hallmarking centres to continue operations legally.
4. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Selling non-hallmarked gold jewellery in notified districts may attract penalties, fines, or legal action under the BIS Act.
Benefits for Consumers
- Guaranteed purity of gold jewellery
- Protection against adulteration and fraud
- Increased transparency in pricing
- Better resale value of hallmarked jewellery
Consumers can now purchase gold with greater confidence, knowing that it meets government-approved standards.
Industry Perspective
The jewellery industry is expected to see both opportunities and challenges due to this amendment. While large and organized players are likely to benefit from increased trust and standardization, small jewellers may face initial compliance challenges, such as upgrading processes and obtaining certifications. However, in the long run, the move is anticipated to formalize the gold market and improve India’s reputation in global gold trade.
Conclusion
The Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts (Amendment) Order, 2025 marks a significant step toward expanding quality assurance in India’s gold sector. By increasing the number of districts under mandatory hallmarking, the government is reinforcing its commitment to consumer protection and market transparency.
Jewellers must act promptly to comply with the updated regulations, while consumers stand to gain from improved product authenticity and trust. As hallmarking continues to expand nationwide, it is set to become a cornerstone of India’s gold jewellery ecosystem.