Previously, hallmarking requirements only applied to gold pieces of 14K, 18K, and 22K standard.

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued the amendment under its hallmarking guidelines (Amendment No. 2), increasing the number of hallmarked gold grades to eight, now spanning from 9K to 24K.

This expansion ensures that even lower-purity, lighter-weight gold jewellery—popular amid surging prices—carries an official purity mark. The move is expected to enhance transparency in the gold market and build buyer confidence, particularly enhancing trust in affordable jewellery segments.

Driving the decision was strong lobbying from trade bodies like the Surat Jewellery Manufacturers Association, which argued that hallmarking 9K gold would broaden access, especially among budget-conscious and younger demographics. Their efforts align with rising demand for more accessible, hallmark-backed jewellery amid high gold prices.

Industry analysts note this could also boost the adoption of lab-grown diamond (LGD) jewellery, offering consumers certified quality in cost-effective, stylish options.

Why It Matters

• Consumer protection: Shoppers will now receive verified purity stamps on 9K gold, reducing uncertainty and fraud risks.

• Market expansion: Jewellers can diversify product lines with officially certified lower-karat jewellery, tapping into broader demographics.

• Regulatory clarity: Hallmarking now covers the full range from 9K to 24K, streamlining standards across India’s extensive jewellery market.

The move underscores the government's ongoing push to standardize India’s gold trade and ensure authenticity throughout the supply chain—following earlier hallmarking mandates covering 14K, 18K, and 22K since June 2021.