Key Takeaways
- The gold hallmarking fee increased from ₹45 to ₹75 per article.
- The minimum fee for a gold consignment is ₹200.
- Hallmarking charges are paid by jewellers to recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres.
- Customers should not confuse hallmarking fees with making charges.
- A BIS hallmark includes the BIS logo, purity details and a six-digit HUID number.
- Buyers can verify HUID details through the official BIS Care app.
- Always check purity, weight, making charges, GST and buyback conditions before purchasing jewellery.
What Changed in the Gold Hallmarking Fee?
The gold hallmarking fee was revised in September 2026.
The per-article fee increased from ₹45 to ₹75. The minimum fee for a gold consignment is ₹200. Applicable taxes may be charged in addition to the prescribed fee.
The fee is connected to the testing and hallmarking process carried out through recognised centres. It is not the same as the gold price, making charge or wastage charge shown on a jewellery bill.
Who Pays the Hallmarking Fee?
The hallmarking fee is payable by the jeweller to the recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre.
A customer may not see a separate line called “hallmarking fee” on the invoice. A jeweller may include business costs in the overall price of the jewellery, but the final price depends on the jeweller’s pricing policy.
Customers should ask for a clear invoice showing the important cost components instead of assuming that the entire hallmarking fee has been passed on separately.
Gold and Silver Hallmarking Charges
The commonly applicable charges are:
| Article | Fee Per Article | Minimum Consignment Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | ₹75 | ₹200 |
| Silver | ₹35 | ₹150 |
Applicable taxes may be charged separately according to the prevailing rules.
These charges relate to the hallmarking process and should not be confused with making charges or wastage charges.
Does Hallmarking Make Gold Jewellery More Expensive?
Hallmarking is only one part of the total jewellery pricing process.
- The final price of gold jewellery may include:
- Gold value based on purity and net weight
- Making charges
- Wastage charges, if applicable
- GST
- Retailer margin
- Stone or diamond charges
- Other disclosed charges
The increase in the hallmarking fee is relatively small compared with the total value of most gold jewellery purchases. Customers should focus on the complete invoice rather than looking at only one charge.
What Is BIS Hallmarking?
Hallmarking is the official recording and verification of the proportionate precious-metal content in an article.
For gold jewellery, a BIS hallmark provides information about the standard and purity of the gold. It gives customers additional confidence that the jewellery has been tested according to the applicable standards.
However, customers should still check the hallmark details and verify the HUID number before completing a purchase.
What Is HUID?
HUID means Hallmark Unique Identification number.
It is a unique six-digit alphanumeric identification number associated with a hallmarked gold article. The HUID helps consumers verify details related to the hallmarked jewellery.
- A gold hallmark generally includes:
- BIS logo
- Purity or fineness of the article
- Six-digit alphanumeric HUID number
The hallmark should be checked carefully, especially when buying expensive jewellery.
How to Verify HUID Before Buying Gold
Buyers can use the official BIS Care app to verify the HUID number.
- A simple process is:
- Ask the jeweller to show the hallmark and HUID on the article.
- Note the six-digit HUID number.
- Open the official BIS Care app.
- Use the “Verify HUID” feature.
- Compare the displayed details with the jewellery being purchased.
- Ask questions if the details do not match.
Buyers should complete this verification before paying for the jewellery.
What Should Be Checked on the Jewellery Invoice?
A proper invoice is important for future resale, exchange, insurance claims and consumer complaints.
- Before leaving the shop, check:
- Jewellery description
- Purity or karat
- Gross weight
- Net gold weight
- Stone weight, if applicable
- Gold rate used by the jeweller
- Making charges
- Wastage charges
- GST
- HUID details
- Buyback or exchange terms
- Payment details
Do not rely only on a verbal promise. Ask the jeweller to include important details in writing.
Hallmarking Fee and Making Charges Are Different
Hallmarking fees and making charges are not the same.
The hallmarking fee is connected to the testing and hallmarking process. Making charges are the amount charged for designing and manufacturing the jewellery.
Making charges may differ significantly between jewellers and designs. Therefore, compare the complete bill instead of comparing only the gold rate.
Is Hallmarked Gold Always a Good Investment?
Hallmarked gold provides greater confidence about purity, but gold jewellery should not automatically be treated as the best investment.
Jewellery usually includes making charges, wastage charges and other costs. These charges may not be fully recovered when the jewellery is sold or exchanged.
If the main goal is investment, compare jewellery with alternatives such as gold exchange-traded funds, sovereign gold-related products where available, or other regulated investment options. The right choice depends on risk, liquidity, taxation and personal financial goals.
Common Mistakes Gold Buyers Should Avoid
- Avoid these common mistakes:
- Buying jewellery without checking the HUID
- Accepting an unclear invoice
- Comparing only the gold rate
- Ignoring making charges
- Forgetting to check the net gold weight
- Assuming every jeweller has the same buyback policy
- Paying before verifying the hallmark details
- Buying from an unverified or unregistered seller
A few minutes of checking can prevent major problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the gold hallmarking fee in 2026?
A: The gold hallmarking fee is ₹75 per article, with a minimum fee of ₹200 per consignment under the revised fee structure effective from September 2026.
Q: Does the customer directly pay the ₹75 hallmarking fee?
A: The prescribed hallmarking fee is payable by the jeweller to the recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre. The customer may or may not see it as a separate charge on the final bill.
Q: What is HUID in gold jewellery?
A: HUID is a six-digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification number assigned to a hallmarked gold article.
Q: How can I check a gold HUID number?
A: You can use the “Verify HUID” feature in the official BIS Care app to check the details of hallmarked gold jewellery.
Q: What is the difference between hallmarking charges and making charges?
A: Hallmarking charges relate to the testing and marking process. Making charges are charged for designing and manufacturing the jewellery.
Q: Should I buy gold jewellery without a proper invoice?
A: No. Always request a detailed invoice showing purity, weight, charges, taxes and other important purchase details.
Conclusion
The gold hallmarking fee increased in 2026, but buyers should not assume that the entire amount will appear as a separate charge on their jewellery bill.
The most important steps are checking the BIS hallmark, verifying the HUID, reviewing the net gold weight and asking for a detailed invoice.
Before purchasing, compare the complete cost from different jewellers and read the buyback or exchange terms carefully.