BIS Sees Strong Uptake as Mandatory Silver HUID Begins Nationwide

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is witnessing a robust early response to the newly mandated Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) system for silver. Since the rule came into force on 1 September 2025, more than 17 lakh silver articles have been hallmarked with HUID within the first quarter of implementation.

A majority of these items—close to 90%—fall under the popular 925 and 800 purity grades. Traditional silver products continue to dominate submissions, with payals (anklets) topping the list, followed by silver diyas, plates, and religious idols. Among regions, the Southern states are leading hallmarking volumes, while Western and Eastern regions are gradually picking up momentum.

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, highlighted the significance of the initiative.
He noted that the introduction of HUID for silver articles is a “landmark move to reinforce purity assurance and curb counterfeit hallmarking.” With every hallmarked piece now required to carry a unique six-digit alphanumeric HUID, the system is helping build a transparent and digitally verifiable ecosystem for silver jewellery. More than 17.35 lakh items have already been brought under this upgraded framework.

The HUID code—laser-engraved alongside the BIS logo and purity grade—aligns silver traceability with the standards long used in gold hallmarking. This allows both customers and regulators to authenticate each piece quickly and reliably.

To make verification simpler, BIS encourages consumers to use the BIS CARE mobile app (Android and iOS). The app enables users to check details such as purity, article type, and the registered hallmarking centre. With this digital-first approach, BIS aims to improve transparency, eliminate fake hallmarking, and strengthen trust across the silver market.