New Delhi, Sept. 1 -- Hallmarking of silver jewellery is set to become mandatory from October to step up consumer protection and regulatory oversight, according to two government officials. The decision brings silver jewellery closer to the regulatory framework governing mandatory gold hallmarking. BIS first introduced a voluntary hallmarking scheme for gold in 2000, before the government made it mandatory in June 2021 across 256 districts that had at least one recognised assaying and hallmarking centre (AHC). Implemented in six phases, mandatory gold hallmarking has since expanded to about 400 of India's 782 districts. Silver hallmarking will similarly be rolled out in phases. The move follows the government's expansion of testing and certification infrastructure for silver items, along with the rollout of a six-digit hallmark unique identification (HUID) system. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) currently operates 341 silver assaying and hallmarking centres across 102 districts, with 25,000 silver jewellers registered under the body. The BIS recognises seven fineness grades for silver jewellery, ranging from 800 to 999 parts per thousand. Silver hallmarking has been available in India on a voluntary basis since October 2005, allowing BIS-registered jewellers to get their pieces certified at recognized assaying and hallmarking centres. However, since September 2025, any silver article that undergoes hallmarking is required to carry a BIS-issued, six-digit alphanumeric HUID. This pilot programme aims to assess industry readiness ahead of a full nationwide rollout. Since the HUID portal was launched on 1 September 2025, more than 7.7 million pieces of silver jewellery have been hallmarked, according to government data. Under this system, every hallmarked article must display the BIS standard mark, the word 'SILVER', its purity grade, and its unique HUID, enabling consumers to track and verify product details digitally through the BIS CARE app. "Mandatory hallmarking of silver jewellery will help ensure that consumers get the purity they pay for," the first official said, adding that while adding other metals to create alloys is permitted, issues arise when actual silver content falls below claimed levels. Hallmarking, the official noted, will offer third-party purity assurance and bring greater transparency to the market. Under Sections 14(6)/(8), 15, and 17 of the BIS Act, 2016, non-compliant jewellers can face up to one year in prison or a fine of at least Rs.1 lakh, which may extend to five times the value of the goods, for certain hallmarking violations. Misuse of the hallmark can attract up to two years' imprisonment and higher fines, including up to 10 times the value of the goods in specified cases.. Queries sent to the department of consumer affairs remained unanswered at the time of publishing....