India's Expansion of Gold Hallmarking Reaches New Districts

India has expanded mandatory gold hallmarking to seven more districts, now covering 380 areas. Initiated in 2021, the process certifies gold purity, preventing fraud and ensuring consumer protection. The initiative has marked around 60 crore gold items to date.

The Indian government's initiative to ensure quality and authenticity in gold jewellery has reached another milestone. The mandatory hallmarking has now been extended to seven additional districts, bringing the total to 380 across the nation. This expansion marks a significant push towards consumer protection and transparency in the gold market.

Starting with 256 districts in June 2021, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has steadily increased its reach with periodic updates. The newest phase includes Rupnagar in Punjab, Banda in Uttar Pradesh, Beed in Maharashtra, Gomati in Tripura, Katihar in Bihar, Beawar in Rajasthan, and Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh.

The hallmarking process serves as a BIS-approved certification of gold purity. It has proven vital in preventing fraud and ensuring consumers receive genuine products. As of March this year, an impressive 60 crore gold items have been hallmarked, underscoring the program's importance in the economy and business sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)