Fake Hallmark Gold Jewellery Alert: Don’t Trust Hallmark Alone, Verify HUID Code Before Buying Gold

By Siddhi Jain | May 28, 2026, 22:12 IST

Buying gold jewellery in India is often considered one of the safest forms of investment. However, experts are now warning customers that simply checking for a hallmark stamp may no longer be enough to guarantee authenticity.

Cases of fake hallmark markings and counterfeit jewellery certification are reportedly increasing in the market, making it more important than ever for buyers to verify the HUID code before purchasing gold ornaments.

Industry experts say the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number has become the most important verification tool for identifying whether a gold ornament is genuine, BIS-certified, and properly tested.

With just a few minutes of verification, buyers can avoid major financial losses and protect themselves from fraud.

What Is the HUID System?

The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) system was introduced in India to improve transparency and authenticity in gold jewellery purchases.

Since July 1, 2021, the government has made HUID-based hallmarking mandatory for hallmarked gold jewellery sold in India.

Under the updated rules, every hallmarked jewellery item must contain three important markings:

BIS logo
Gold purity mark (such as 22K or 18K)
A unique 6-digit alphanumeric HUID code

Currently, hallmarking rules officially apply to:

Gold jewellery
Silver jewellery

The system was introduced to strengthen customer trust and reduce the chances of fake certification in the jewellery market.

What Exactly Is an HUID Number?

According to jewellery industry experts, the HUID code is a unique identification number assigned under the BIS hallmarking system.

This code helps create a digital record for each jewellery item.

While the hallmark confirms the purity of gold, the HUID code allows customers to verify:

Where the jewellery was tested
Which hallmarking center certified it
The jeweller’s registration details
Authenticity records stored in the BIS database

Because every HUID is digitally recorded, it becomes much harder to manipulate or duplicate compared to traditional hallmark stamps alone.

Why Checking HUID Has Become Extremely Important

Experts say many buyers still make the mistake of purchasing jewellery after only checking the hallmark symbol.

However, fake hallmark stamp cases have already been reported in several markets.

Some dishonest jewellers allegedly imitate hallmark markings, making it difficult for ordinary customers to identify fake jewellery.

This is where the HUID system provides an extra layer of security.

Since every HUID code is registered in the official BIS digital database, customers can instantly verify whether the jewellery is genuine or suspicious.

What Information Can Customers Check Through HUID?

Once the HUID code is verified, customers can access important details related to the jewellery item.

The verification system can show:

Gold purity level
Jeweller registration details
Hallmarking center information
Hallmarking date
BIS certification record

This allows buyers to cross-check whether the jewellery matches the claims made by the seller.

How to Verify the HUID Code

Experts say verifying HUID is a very simple process that takes only a few minutes.

Step 1: Check the Jewellery Markings

Look carefully at the jewellery item.

A genuine hallmarked ornament should contain:

BIS logo
Purity marking such as 22K or 18K
Jeweller identification mark
Unique 6-digit HUID code

Step 2: Download the BIS CARE App

Customers can verify HUID through the official BIS CARE mobile application.

The app is available on:

Android devices
iPhones

Step 3: Open the Verification Section

After opening the app:

Go to the verification option
Enter the HUID code exactly as written on the jewellery

Step 4: Verify the Details

Once the code is entered, the app displays details such as:

Jeweller’s name
Purity information
Hallmarking center details
Certification date

Customers should carefully match these details with the jewellery they are purchasing.

Government Made HUID Mandatory to Reduce Fraud

The government introduced mandatory HUID hallmarking to strengthen consumer protection and increase trust in the gold market.

The move aims to:

Reduce counterfeit jewellery cases
Improve transparency
Protect customers from fraud
Standardize hallmark verification

Officials believe the digital verification system can significantly improve confidence among jewellery buyers.

Experts Urge Buyers Not to Skip Verification

Jewellery experts strongly advise customers to verify HUID before making payment, especially for expensive purchases.

According to industry professionals:

HUID verification takes only a few minutes
It can help prevent major financial losses later
Customers should never rely solely on verbal assurances from sellers

Experts also recommend purchasing jewellery only from BIS-registered jewellers.

Gold Prices in India Remain High

The warning regarding fake hallmark jewellery comes at a time when gold prices in India continue to remain elevated.

Industry reports suggest gold prices in India are currently trading significantly above international market levels due to:

Import duties
Taxes
Currency fluctuations

Because gold purchases involve substantial investments, proper verification has become even more important for ordinary buyers.

Important Advice Before Buying Gold Jewellery

Experts recommend customers should always:

Verify HUID through BIS CARE app
Check hallmark purity carefully
Ask for proper invoice and documentation
Buy only from trusted BIS-certified jewellers
Match all details before making payment

A small verification step today can help avoid large financial losses in the future.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for awareness purposes only. Buyers should independently verify jewellery authenticity and consult certified jewellers before making purchase decisions.