Jewellers want further extension for mandatory hallmarking

Aurangabad, May 27:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made the hallmarking of gold jewellery mandatory from June 15. Accordingly, no jeweller will be able to sell non-hallmarked jewellery after the deadline. However, due to the ongoing pandemic situation in various states of the country, lockdowns, closure of shops and inadequate hallmarking facilities, there is a growing demand across the country for an extension.

According to the BIS, mandatory hallmarking will mean that jewellers will be able to sell only hallmark certified 14, 18 or 22 carat gold jewellery, while there was no such rule till now. Also, a software has been developed that will inform consumers about the maker of the jewellery, where it was hallmarked and its purity. At the same time, each jewellery will be given a unique ID number, which will give a different identity to each set, thus curbing frauds. However, in many places, the hallmarking system is inadequate. It is expected from the jewellers that the system will be fully set up first. On the other hand, shops and labs have been closed in many states for the last two months due to lockdown. It will be important to see what the government decides on the rule. This is considered to be an important decision as each jewellery will be given a unique ID number.

Hallmarking benefit for consumers:

-Purity of jewellery will be guaranteed.

-Jewellery will get a special number which will help in determining ownership.

-The consumers will get to know the purity of the jewellery as well as the date of manufacture through BIS application.

-Jewellery can be sold anywhere due to the hallmark and unique ID number.

-Will be useful for insuring jewellery.

Consumers do not get special benefits

The Aurangabad Saraf Association has already welcomed the hallmark compulsion. However, due to the lack of hallmark centers, the time to make jewellery will increase. At the same time, the demand for 24 and 23 carat jewellery is high among consumers. However, these ornaments will not be hallmarked. Therefore, it will not be of much benefit to discerning customers, said president Rajendra Mandlik.