BIS Includes 9K Gold in Hallmark Certification, Boosting Jewellery Industry

Surat, Gujarat – Jewellery manufacturers and consumers are rejoicing as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has included 9 Karats gold jewellery in the hallmark certification scope along with other gold karats in its fourth revision in July. 

The Surat Jewellery Manufacturers’ Association (SJMA) had urged Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General of BIS for the inclusion of 10K gold jewellery in the hallmarking under BIS. With the continuous and sharp rise in gold prices, over the past few years, affordability of gold jewellery has become a serious challenge for both manufacturers and consumers. 

Earlier, the hallmarking framework covered gold jewellery in purities of 14K (58.5%), 18K (75%), 

and 22K (91.6%). However, 10K gold (41.7%) remained outside the ambit of BIS hallmark 

certification. Given the current economic landscape and market dynamics, SJMA urged the 

BIS to include 10K gold jewellery in the Hallmark Certification scope. 

Amit Korat, president of SJMA said, “With the price of gold now exceeding historic highs, many consumers, especially from the middle-income and working-class segments, are finding it increasingly difficult to purchase traditional 18K and 14K jewellery.10K gold presents a practical and economical alternative, allowing people to continue investing in genuine gold jewellery without compromising on their financial stability” 

The absence of BIS hallmarking for 10K jewellery has hindered its wider acceptance and trust 

among consumers. Including 10K in the BIS hallmarking scope would: Ensure authenticity and standardisation of 10K gold jewellery, build consumer confidence and prevent malpractices, facilitate proper disclosure of gold content and ensure fair trade practices. 

Surat is one of India’s leading hubs for jewellery manufacturing. With rising gold prices and 

declining demand for higher-karat jewellery, the manufacturing sector has experienced reduced production volument, margin pressures, lower employment opportunities etc. 

“Inclusion of 9K gold purity under the BIS hallmarking will be a game-changer for the Indian jewellery industry and will help it remain resilient in the face of economic fluctuations” said a jewellery manufacturer.