In a significant move aimed at increasing transparency in the gold market, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, has announced a major change regarding gold jewelry hallmarking. If you are planning to buy gold or already own gold jewelry, especially low-carat items, this update directly concerns you.
Amid rising gold prices, a growing number of consumers have been turning to lower caratage gold jewelry such as 9-carat gold, which is comparatively more affordable. Recognizing this shift, the BIS has officially mandated hallmarking for 9-carat gold items. This regulation will come into effect from July 2025.
What is Hallmarking and Why is it Important?
Hallmarking is a certification of the purity of gold. It assures the customer of the gold’s genuineness and protects them from being deceived. A hallmark consists of specific marks embossed on the jewelry that indicate the gold's purity, verified by an authorized BIS hallmarking center.
Until now, hallmarking was mandatory for select grades like 22K, 18K, and 14K gold. However, with the new rule, even 9-carat gold will require hallmarking, thereby expanding the coverage of this purity certification system.
New Grades Under Mandatory Hallmarking
According to the latest BIS announcement, several new gold grades have been brought under the hallmarking system. The expanded list now includes:
24KF
24KS
23K
22K
20K
18K
14K
9K
For 9-carat gold, the standard defines that it must contain a minimum of 375 parts per thousand of pure gold, meaning it is 37.5% pure.
This move is expected to bring more trust and transparency to the gold jewelry sector. The hallmarking rule ensures that buyers get what they are paying for and helps avoid frauds related to gold purity.
Industry-Wide Compliance Required
The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) has also confirmed the development on social media platform X, stating that all jewelers and hallmarking centers across the country are required to comply with the updated BIS norms. They emphasized that 9-carat gold now officially falls under mandatory hallmarking as per BIS Amendment No. 2, and all players in the sector must implement this rule.
The council believes that this step will lead to greater transparency across the industry and will benefit both customers and legitimate jewelers alike.
Rising Gold Prices Prompting the Shift
As of July 20, 2025, the price of 24-carat gold in Delhi stood at ₹99,520 per 10 grams. With such soaring prices, many customers are opting for lower carat options such as 9K and 14K gold, which are more economical but still stylish and durable for jewelry use.
New Guidelines for Gold Coins
Alongside jewelry hallmarking, BIS has also updated rules related to gold coins. As per the new regulation, only coins made from 24KF and 24KS gold thin sheets will be considered valid. However, there are certain conditions:
These coins must be manufactured only by refineries or TAssAY laboratories (TASAL).
They should not carry any legal tender value, meaning they cannot be used as currency.
This step is expected to prevent the misuse of gold coins and ensure better traceability and quality control.
Conclusion
Experts believe that this move by BIS will bring much-needed clarity and standardization to the gold market, making transactions more secure for consumers. With hallmarking now extended to 9-carat gold and new specifications for coins, the government aims to enhance consumer protection and promote best practices across the industry.
If you're planning to invest in gold or buy jewelry soon, make sure to check for the hallmark, regardless of the caratage. This small step could save you from bigger losses and give you peace of mind regarding the quality of your purchase.
