KATHUA: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Jammu & Kashmir Branch Office, conducted an Enforcement Search and Seizure operation at a BIS-registered jewellery outlet in Dyalachak, Kathua, following information regarding suspected violations of mandatory hallmarking requirements.
During the operation, BIS officials examined gold jewellery displayed and offered for sale and seized 53 gold jewellery articles with a total gross weight of 162.22 grams for non-compliance with applicable hallmarking requirements.
Of the seized articles, 13 gold jewellery pieces weighing 53.88 grams were found without the prescribed BIS Hallmark, while 40 articles weighing 108.34 grams were found bearing incomplete or non-prescribed hallmarking. These included articles carrying the BIS Hallmark logo and/or purity or fineness markings but without the prescribed HUID or complete hallmark.
The BIS said the action assumes significance from the perspective of consumer protection and the authenticity of hallmarked gold jewellery. It advised consumers not to treat the mere presence of a BIS logo, “916”, “22K916”, “18K750” or similar markings as proof of valid BIS hallmarking.
Consumers have been advised to check the complete prescribed hallmark and verify the six-digit alphanumeric HUID through the “Verify HUID” feature of the BIS CARE App before purchasing gold jewellery.
The seized articles were duly inventoried and sealed under Section 28 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Relevant evidence has been taken up for further examination, with appropriate action to be initiated under the provisions of the BIS Act, Rules, Regulations and applicable Hallmarking Order.
BIS reiterated that registered jewellers are required to ensure that gold jewellery and artefacts offered for sale comply with prescribed hallmarking requirements. It also clarified that registration of a jewellery outlet with BIS does not by itself mean that every article available at the outlet is BIS hallmarked. Consumers have therefore been advised to verify the hallmark on each individual article before purchase.
BIS has appealed to consumers to remain vigilant while purchasing gold jewellery and verify the HUID through the BIS CARE App. Information regarding the sale of unhallmarked jewellery, incomplete hallmarking or suspected misuse of the BIS Hallmark can be reported through the BIS CARE App or to the BIS Jammu & Kashmir Branch Office. The identity of informants will be kept confidential.
