Silver Jewellery Fraud: BIS Plans Stricter Rules to Curb Fake Silver Jewellery
As the price of gold continues to rise, more people are turning towards silver jewellery as a more affordable and attractive alternative. However, this growing demand has led to an increase in the production of fake silver jewellery, which has prompted the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to take a closer look at its testing and hallmarking system.
Strengthening the Testing and Hallmarking System
The BIS has been working to strengthen its testing and hallmarking system for silver jewellery, with a focus on making purity checks stronger and giving buyers greater confidence when purchasing silver jewellery. To achieve this, the BIS plans to increase the number of laboratories testing silver jewellery across the country over the next two years.
Silver Hallmarking Gains Momentum
Since its introduction in 2005, silver hallmarking has been voluntary in India. However, with the introduction of the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number in September 2025, hallmarked silver jewellery has gained significant traction. The HUID number allows customers to check the details related to the purity of their jewellery, giving them greater assurance when purchasing silver jewellery.
Rise in Demand for Silver Hallmarking
According to reports, around 59 lakh silver jewellery articles were hallmarked in the financial year 2025-26, a significant increase from the 32 lakh articles hallmarked in 2024-25. This sharp rise indicates growing demand for purity certification as more consumers seek assurance before buying silver jewellery. Currently, around 230 centres across the country are recognised by BIS for testing silver jewellery.
BIS Expands its Laboratory Network
The BIS has a network of 10 BIS-owned laboratories operating across the country, which tested around 2.70 lakh product samples over the past year. In addition to these laboratories, several private and government laboratories accredited by BIS also carry out testing. The number of accredited laboratories has increased from around 147 in 2014 to around 440 today, with another 350 government laboratories part of the BIS panel.
Using Technology to Improve Testing
The BIS is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics to make testing faster and more efficient. A robotic arm is being tested for cement testing, and laboratory testing equipment is being connected with the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). This integration will allow test data to be recorded and calculated automatically, reducing the chances of errors and making laboratory testing more efficient.
Protecting Consumers
Customers with complaints about BIS-certified silver products can file a complaint through the BIS Care app. The BIS may conduct further testing of the product if required. Consumers are advised to check for the BIS certification and hallmark before relying on claims about the purity of silver jewellery.
What’s Changing for Buyers?
The BIS plans to increase the number of laboratories testing silver jewellery, making purity checks stronger and giving buyers greater confidence when purchasing silver jewellery. The introduction of the HUID number has also made it easier for customers to check the details related to the purity of their jewellery. With the BIS expanding its laboratory network and exploring the use of technology to improve testing, buyers can expect greater assurance when purchasing silver jewellery.
Conclusion
The growing demand for silver jewellery has led to an increase in the production of fake silver jewellery, which has prompted the BIS to take a closer look at its testing and hallmarking system. By strengthening its testing and hallmarking system, increasing the number of laboratories testing silver jewellery, and exploring the use of technology to improve testing, the BIS aims to give buyers greater confidence when purchasing silver jewellery.