Gold Hallmarking Fee Hiked by 67 Percent, Jewellers Raise Strong Objections
BIS increases gold hallmarking charge from ₹45 to ₹75 per article ahead of festive season
New Delhi: The Bureau of Indian Standards has increased the hallmarking fee for gold jewellery from ₹45 to ₹75 per article, representing an increase of about 67 percent. The revised charges came into effect from September 14, 2026, ahead of the festive season. The silver hallmarking fee remains ₹35 per article.
The revised fee applies to hallmarking services provided to jewellers through recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres. The existing minimum consignment charges are ₹200 for gold and ₹150 for silver.
The increase has drawn concern from sections of the jewellery industry, with trade bodies calling for the decision to be reviewed. Industry representatives have argued that the higher charges will increase operating costs for jewellers, particularly smaller businesses.
Jewellery industry representatives have also raised concerns that higher compliance costs could place additional pressure on small traders and artisans. They have urged the authorities to consult stakeholders and review the revised charges.
The latest revision comes at a time when the jewellery industry is preparing for the upcoming festive and wedding season. While the hallmarking fee is primarily a charge applicable to jewellers, industry experts note that any additional business cost could potentially have an impact on jewellery pricing, depending on how individual businesses absorb or pass on the expense.
BIS has been operating the hallmarking system to provide certification of the purity of gold and silver jewellery. Under the system, hallmarking charges are calculated per article rather than according to the weight of the jewellery.
The jewellery industry is expected to continue discussions with the authorities regarding the revised charges.