Government Rolls Out Mandatory Hallmarking for 9 Karat Gold in India

From July 2025, Hallmarking for 9 Karat Gold jewellery will be subject to mandatory BIS hallmarking—the first time lower‑karat gold enters the regulatory realm. Learn why this matters, who it benefits, and what it means for you.

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Mandatory Hallmarking for 9 Karat Gold: What India’s New Rule Means for Buyers & Jewellers

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has officially extended mandatory Hallmarking for 9 Karat Gold, effective July 2025, marking a historic shift in India’s gold‑regulation landscape. Previously, only purities of 14K and above were hallmarked. Now, even affordable, lightweight jewellery will carry a BIS stamp—guaranteeing authenticity and consumer protection.

What Exactly Is Hallmarking and Why It Matters

Hallmarking is a certification system regulated by the BIS Act, 2016, that ensures each jewellery piece’s gold purity is accurately represented. Items receive:

A hallmark logo
Purity in parts per thousand (ppt)
A unique Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID)
This provides transparency, traceability, and consumer confidence.

Extension to Hallmarking for 9 Karat Gold—A First in India

What the Rule Covers

9K gold has a minimum fineness of 375 ppt (37.5% pure gold)

The new rule adds it to existing hallmark categories: 14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K, 24K

Bai modification (Amendment No.2) takes effect from July 2025

Why the Government Made This Move

Boost Consumer Confidence and Demand

With soaring gold prices, consumers are gravitating toward lower‑karat, cost-effective pieces—especially among younger buyers and rural households

9K jewellery priced around ₹37,000–38,000 per 10 g is now hallmarked—bringing affordable, certified gold to a wider audience

Support the Festive & Rural Markets

Industry expects a resurgence in lightweight gold purchases during Raksha bandhan, Diwali, and weddings

Enhance Traceability & Safety

Hallmarked gold is more traceable, making it harder for stolen jewellery to be sold and easier to recover—an important check against chain-snatching crimes

Benefits for Jewellers and Industry

Design Innovation: 9K offers flexibility for modern designs and lab-grown diamond settings

Export Potential: Trusted hallmarking can expand India’s footprint in affordable fine-jewellery markets abroad

Inventory Shift: Many units in manufacturing hubs like Surat are already pivoting to 9K and 14K gold for streamlined working capital

What Consumers Should Know

Guaranteed Purity Assurance

Expect a clear hallmark logo, numeric fineness label, and HUID

In case of lower purity, BIS provides compensation under its 2018 rules

Verifying Jewelry Authenticity

Use the BIS Care app to check hallmark details by entering the HUID.

Gold watches, pens, and certain coins are exempt from the hallmarking rule.

Industry Preparedness and Timeline

The IBJA, SJMA, and BIS are setting up infrastructure for marking 9K pieces.

Full compliance is expected by August–September 2025, aligning with festive demand cycles

Final Takeaway

Hallmarking for 9 Karat Gold: With 9K gold now in the hallmarking fold, the government has made certified gold more accessible and secure. Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or first-time shopper, this change ensures:

Affordable certified gold with BIS-backed quality

Better traceability and safety in case of theft

Wider design choices and support to manufacturers

Boosted consumer confidence during festive and wedding seasons

Government Rolls Mandatory Hallmarking for 9 Karat Gold in India?

Bai modification takes effect from July 2025 9K gold has a minimum fineness of 375 ppt (37.5% pure gold)
The new rule adds it to existing hallmark categories: 14K, 18K, 20K, 22K, 23K, 24K.

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Gold price today

10g of 24k gold (99.9%) in Bhopal is 1,01,115.00 Indian Rupee