After sleeping in the country, now hallmarking of silver can also be mandatory. Government rules can come regarding this in the next 6 months. BIS Director General Pramod Tiwari said that it is still a trial phase and it will be made mandatory soon. Compulsion can be brought in about six months.
Voluntary hallmarking of silver has started in the country from September 1. Compulsory hallmarking will be applicable after the trial is successful. Hall marking of 6 digit has started from 1 September. There are many difficulties in making bull -hall marking mandatory. At present, it is being seriously considered. The challenge is from the bullion formed by the old gold. Bullion means raw form of precious metal like gold or silver, which is in the form of brick or coins and is purchased for investment or large transactions.
Why hallmark is necessary
In the previous discussions between the government and the industry, it was emphasized that there is a need to guarantee quality and tracing in silver goods. This decision has been taken at a time when silver demand is increasing rapidly due to rise in gold prices. After the new system is implemented, the Hallmark of BIS will ensure that the purity of silver describes the fixed standards (eg 925, called Sterling Silver). This will increase the trust of consumers, ensure quality and transparency and India’s silver industry can be linked to global standards.
Work on new technology
Till now silver hallmarking was optional, but on the 78th BIS Foundation Day held in New Delhi in January 2025, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi urged BIS to make it mandatory early. The decision included the opinion of both consumers and the industry, who demanded more strict rules in the sector of silver. At that time, concern was expressed about the durability of Huid mark, because the embossed mark may disappear or spoil over time. BIS is working on this technical problem so that the marks on the silver remain lasting for a long time.