Silver Jewelry: Move to curb counterfeit silver jewelry; BIS devises a robust plan..

Amid rising gold prices, consumer interest is shifting towards silver jewelry. In response to this growing demand, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is preparing to strengthen the testing and hallmarking system for silver jewelry. A senior BIS official stated that the number of silver testing laboratories across the country will be increased over the next two years.

Silver hallmarking has been voluntary since 2005. Since September 2025, a Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number is also being assigned to hallmarked silver jewelry. Customers can use this number to verify the purity of the jewelry. Nishat S. Haque, Deputy Director General at BIS, noted that demand has steadily risen since the introduction of HUID for silver jewelry. BIS has assessed the testing requirements and is now preparing to conduct large-scale testing of silver jewelry in its own laboratories.

**Rapid Rise in Silver Hallmarking**
According to official data, approximately 5.9 million (59 lakh) silver jewelry items were hallmarked in the 2025-26 financial year, up from around 3.2 million (32 lakh) in 2024-25. This indicates a significant increase in silver hallmarking over the course of a year. Currently, there are about 230 centers across the country accredited by BIS to test silver jewelry, and plans are underway to increase this number in line with rising demand.

**BIS Conducts Gold Hallmarking Checks Internally**
BIS does not rely on external laboratories for market surveillance of hallmarked gold jewelry; testing is conducted within BIS's own laboratories. According to the official, the testing mechanism for hallmarked jewelry is a key BIS initiative designed to boost consumer confidence. BIS collects samples from the market for testing, and action can be taken against any product that fails to meet the prescribed standards.

**Expansion of BIS Laboratory Network**
BIS has tested approximately 270,000 product samples over the past year. BIS operates 10 of its own laboratories across the country. Additionally, a large number of accredited private and government laboratories work with BIS. In 2014, there were approximately 147 accredited laboratories associated with BIS; this figure has now risen to around 440. Furthermore, 350 government laboratories are also included in the BIS panel.

**Use of AI and Robotics in Testing**
BIS is exploring the use of AI, machine learning, and robotics to make testing faster and more efficient. Trials involving robotic arms for cement testing are currently underway. Additionally, laboratory testing equipment is being integrated with the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). This enables the automatic recording and calculation of test data, thereby helping to minimize the scope for errors.

**Consumers Can Lodge Complaints with BIS**
Consumers who have grievances regarding BIS-certified products can lodge complaints via the 'BIS Care' app. BIS can also conduct inspections of the products if necessary. BIS has urged consumers to purchase BIS-certified products and to rely on the hallmark as an assurance of jewelry purity.

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