The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) has reported impressive progress in its gold hallmarking initiative, marking 2024 as a year of notable achievements in ensuring the purity and quality of gold jewellery and artifacts.

In its year-end report for 2024, the DCA revealed a 4% rise in hallmarking registrations, with the total number of registered gold items growing from 1,87,936 to 1,95,155 between April 1st and November 25th, 2024. This growth underscores the increasing trust consumers place in hallmarking as a guarantee of authenticity and quality.

Furthermore, the number of Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) recognized by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) also saw a 4% increase, reaching 1,604 from 1,540. These centres play a critical role in certifying the quality and purity of gold, enhancing consumer confidence in the jewellery market.

A pivotal milestone in 2024 was the amendment to the Quality Control Order on November 5th, which expanded the mandatory hallmarking coverage. The new guidelines extended the scope from 343 districts to 361 districts, ensuring that a greater number of consumers across India can access certified gold jewellery. This expanded reach aims to further protect consumers from substandard gold products and promote transparency in the industry.

The DCA's hallmarking initiative continues to strengthen consumer rights, ensuring that the growing demand for high-quality, authentic gold is met with trust and assurance. As the initiative gains momentum, industry experts predict even higher participation in the coming years, benefiting both consumers and the broader gold trade.