The government is preparing to make hallmarking mandatory for gold bullion, a move aimed at ensuring the purity of gold products and protecting consumers from potential quality issues, said Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare on Friday.
To date, more than 40 crore gold jewellery items have been hallmarked, with over 4 lakh gold items being hallmarked per day, the government informed last month.
Speaking at the Gems and Jewellery Conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in the national capital, Khare highlighted that hallmarking has revolutionized the jewellery industry by fostering trust and transparency.
“The mandatory implementation of the six-digit unique ID hallmarking system ensures quality, traceability, and consumer confidence across the entire value chain,” she said.
The automation of hallmarking processes, such as the API-based integration of XRF data, represents a leap forward in quality assurance, streamlining operations, and improving efficiency for both jewellers and consumers.
Khare further emphasized that the next frontier for India’s jewellery sector lies in creating aspirational global brands.
“Drawing inspiration from centuries-old European houses, Indian manufacturers must align their heritage with modern consumer preferences in different markets worldwide to leave a lasting imprint,” she noted.
Since the launch of mandatory hallmarking, the number of registered jewellers has increased from 34,647 to 1,94,039, more than five times the previous number. Similarly, the number of assaying and hallmarking centres (AHCs) has grown from 945 to 1,622, according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
GJEPC Executive Director Sabyasachi Ray remarked that India’s gems and jewellery industry has emerged as one of the most compliant sectors globally, adhering to high ethical standards and transparency through hallmarking, GST implementation, and the Kimberley Process for conflict-free diamonds.
“The success of free trade talks (FTAs) with the UAE and Australia exemplifies how strategic economic diplomacy can elevate the jewellery industry. By focusing on high-growth regions and reducing export duties, India is creating a conducive ecosystem for scaling up global trade,” Ray said.
(Inputs from IANS)