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Silver Hallmarking: Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi on Monday said that the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) should consider making hallmarking mandatory for silver and silver items as per the demand of consumers. Joshi said at the 78th BIS Foundation Day function, "There is a demand from consumers for hallmarking of silver. You (BIS) can discuss and take a decision on this."
The minister told reporters on the sidelines of the event that work has already begun in this direction and the government will take a decision after consultations with stakeholders and completion of feasibility assessment by BIS. "I have asked BIS to work on the feasibility and take feedback from consumers and jewelery dealers. We will consult all stakeholders and start the process," he said.
Hallmarking of silver, i.e. certifying the purity of the white metal, is currently at the discretion of the shopkeeper or customer. BIS Director General Pramod Kumar Tiwari said that the bureau may be ready to implement mandatory silver hallmarking in three to six months. Discussions are ongoing with stakeholders.
Tiwari said, "Several rounds of discussions have been held with the stakeholders and they are in favour of it. Discussions are on for the six-digit 'alphanumeric code'." This step has been taken after the successful implementation of mandatory 'hallmarking' of gold, introduced in June 2021, which has now expanded to 361 districts. Its objective is to protect consumer interests and ensure the authenticity of the gold product.
The existing hallmarking system consists of a six-digit alphanumeric code that certifies the purity of gold. "Now, about 90 per cent of the jewellery being purchased is hallmarked. Since its introduction, more than 44.28 crore gold jewellery have been hallmarked with a unique identity," the minister said.
The minister said that stakeholders from Gujarat, Karnataka and other states have also requested to make hallmarking mandatory on silver. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), established in 1986 under the BIS Act, is an autonomous national body. It is responsible for setting quality standards for products and services.
