BIS Revises Gold and Silver Hallmarking Fees Ahead of Festive Season

⚡ Key Financial Takeaways

New BIS hallmarking fees for gold are Rs 75 per article (min Rs 200/consignment) and for silver are Rs 35 per article (min Rs 150/consignment).

The revised regulations come into force on September 14, 2026, coinciding with the pre-festive buying period.

A flat 3% GST applies to gold hallmarking charges, irrespective of purity levels.

IBJA pegged 24 Karat gold at Rs 1,51,894 per 10 grams on the morning of September 16, 2026.

💡 Why It Matters

The revision of hallmarking fees directly impacts the operational costs for jewellers during the high-demand festive season. As hallmarking is the primary identifier for purity verification, these costs are embedded in the final price paid by consumers. Understanding the specific fee slabs and applicable GST helps buyers make informed decisions and compare prices accurately across different retailers.

Revised Fee Structure for Precious Metals

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has amended the hallmarking fee structure for gold and silver articles, with the changes taking effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette on September 14, 2026. This update introduces a new cost framework for jewellers submitting articles to recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs).

Under the amended Bureau of Indian Standards (Hallmarking) Regulations, 2026, the fee for hallmarking gold articles is set at Rs 75 per article. However, a minimum charge of Rs 200 applies per consignment. For silver articles, the fee is Rs 35 per article, with a minimum consignment charge of Rs 150.

In addition to the fees paid by jewellers, AHCs will levy a charge on behalf of the BIS. For gold, this amounts to Rs 7.50 per article, subject to a minimum of Rs 20 per consignment. For silver, the BIS levy is Rs 3.50 per article, with a minimum of Rs 15 per consignment. Applicable taxes are charged separately on these amounts.

Tax Implications and Market Context

Gold hallmarking attracts a flat Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate of 3 percent. This comprises 1.5 percent Central GST (CGST) and 1.5 percent State GST (SGST) for intra-state sales, or 3 percent Integrated GST (IGST) for inter-state purchases. Notably, this tax rate remains constant regardless of the purity of the gold.

The timing of this revision is significant for the jewellery industry. September marks the beginning of the pre-festive buying cycle, leading up to major occasions such as Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali, followed by the wedding season. Consequently, jewellers must factor these revised costs into their inventory planning and pricing strategies for the upcoming months.

Current Gold Price Benchmark

Amidst these regulatory changes, market prices for precious metals remain a key focus for consumers. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) pegged the price of 24 Karat pure gold at Rs 1,51,894 per 10 grams during the morning price fixing on September 16, 2026.

For consumers, understanding the breakdown of hallmarking fees, GST, and making charges is essential when comparing final jewellery bills. The revised fee structure adds another variable to the total cost of certified precious metal articles.

🏛️ Background & Context

BIS hallmarking serves as the standard certification for the purity of precious metals in India. The hallmark includes the BIS logo, the karat or millesimal fineness, and a unique six-digit alphanumeric code known as the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number. This system ensures transparency and consumer trust in the purity of gold and silver jewellery.