• Source:JND
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Buying gold during Dhanteras and Diwali is a significant part of Indian tradition, with many people purchasing gold jewelry, coins and biscuits on this auspicious occasion. However, with gold prices rising by over 50 per cent in the last year, it has become crucial for consumers to be vigilant about the purity of their purchases to avoid significant financial loss.

In a major relief for consumers, there is now a provision for compensation if hallmarked gold jewelry is found to be less pure than stated. The compensation will be based on the discrepancy in purity, and the seller will also have to refund double the testing charges.

What Is Gold Hallmarking?

To ensure the purity of gold, the Government of India has been implementing mandatory hallmarking in a phased manner across the country. The timeline for this rollout is as follows:

Phase 1: Started on June 16, 2021, covering 256 districts.

Phase 2: Started on April 4, 2022, adding 32 more districts. 

Phase 3: Started on September 6, 2023, adding another 55 districts.

Phase 4 (Latest): Started on November 5, 2024, including 18 more districts.

As of now, gold hallmarking is mandatory in a total of 361 districts. This means any gold jewelry purchased after November 14, 2024, in these districts must bear a hallmark, which is a government certificate guaranteeing its purity as per set standards.

How To Verify A Hallmark

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has mandated a unique 6-digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number for every piece of hallmarked jewelry. Consumers can easily verify this HUID number using the official BIS Care App.

By using the "Verify HUID" feature in the app, you can confirm the authenticity of the jewelry and check its claimed purity.

Testing Old Or Un-Hallmarked Jewelry

If you own old or un-hallmarked jewelry and wish to check its purity, you can get it tested at any BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC). You can take up to 10 pieces of jewelry at a time for testing. The center will provide a detailed report on the purity and will also specify if the jewelry is hollow or made with other metals.

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Testing Fees

Per Piece: Rs 45

Minimum Charge: A minimum payment of Rs 200 per visit is mandatory.

Compensation For Impure Hallmarked Gold

Yes, if a consumer gets their hallmarked jewelry tested and its purity is found to be lower than the standard marked on it, they are entitled to compensation from the seller.

Compensation Amount

The consumer will receive a payout equivalent to twice the amount of the discrepancy in purity, calculated based on the price at which the gold was sold.

Additionally, the testing charges will be refunded.

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