Lok Sabha Question No. 2559 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-07
Subject: Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: Shri Rajesh Verma

## Government of India

## Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department of Consumer Affairs

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2559

TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.08.2024

## HALLMARKING OF GOLD JEWELLERY

## 2559.  SHRI RAJESH VERMA:

Will  the  Minister  of CONSUMER  AFFAIRS,  FOOD  AND  PUBLIC  DISTRIBUTION उपभोक्ता मामले , खाद्य और सार्वजनिक नर्तरण मंत्री be pleased to state:

- (a) the status of the mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery and artifacts which has been implemented in each State and district since its launch in 2020;
- (b) whether any steps have been taken to educate consumers about this initiative and if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) whether there are any plans to extend mandatory hallmarking to other precious metals or types of jewellery and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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## THE MINISTER OF STATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRI B.L.VERMA)

- (a)    :    The  BIS  Act,  2016  has  enabling  provisions  for  making  hallmarking  of  precious  metal  articles mandatory  by  Central  Government.    The  mandatory  hallmarking  relating  to  Gold  Jewellery  and  Gold Artefacts was implemented w.e.f. 23 June 2021 by issuing a Quality Control Order.

The implementation of mandatory hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts has been rolled out in phases. The first  phase  began  on June  23,  2021,  covering  256  districts  for  14,  18,  and  22  karat  gold.  The second phase started on June 1, 2022, expanding to  288 districts and including 14, 18, 20, 22, 23, and 24 karat gold. The third phase, effective from September 6, 2023, further extended to 343 districts with the same range of karat gold. The list of 343 districts is available at the link https://egazette.gov.in/(S(rxsbdekfdyyz3loydcjpvy2h))/ViewPDF.aspx

- (b)  :    Bureau  of  Indian  Standards  is  actively  working  in  generating  awareness  about  the  benefit  of hallmarking  scheme  among  the  Consumers  and  stakeholders  by  interacting  with  them  through  extensive outreach programmes.
-  BIS utilizes a wide variety of channels available to reach out to consumers and consumer groups in both  rural  and  urban  areas.  BIS  has  been  engaging  with  stakeholders  by  carrying  out  Awareness Programmes throughout the country through its network of 5 regional offices and 36 branch offices spread across the states of the country.
-  Each  branch  office  has  been  actively  involved  in  carrying  out  such  programmes  for  Consumers, Jewellers,  Artisans,  Hallmarking  Centres  in  the  areas  under  their  jurisdiction.  These  programmes focus on informing consumer about BIS hallmarking scheme, advantages of buying hallmarked gold jewellery.BIS also informs all stakeholders on the system of identifying hallmark jewellery through BIS CARE software application and on registration of grievances through its app and website.
-  The  following  publicity/outreach  initiatives  have  been  undertaken  by  BIS  for  spreading  awareness about buying only hallmarked jewellery:
-  A 30 days' pan India campaign through AIR was executed in the years 2021-22 and 20222023.
-  Hallmarking HUID promotion through BIS Care App.
-  BIS Talks on Youtube/ Print advertisements/ IRCTC website/DD conclave.
-  Hoardings in Post Offices & LED displays inside Post Offices in Rural Areas/Hoardings in Mofussil Bus Terminus /Metro Train Inside Branding /LED Screens in Cinema Malls /Select Metro Train Stations/Display Screens at Railway Stations.
-  Standards  Clubs  in  Educational  institutions,  Door  -  to  -Door  Campaigns  through  Regional Offices/Branch Offices
-  Audio Visual videos (AVs)on hallmarking were publicized through BIS Social Media handles and on YouTube during the year 2023-24.
-  Static/Gif/Reel Posts through BIS social media platforms.

Consumer and Jeweller Awareness Programme carried out in the last three years and current year is as under:

| Year    |   Consumer Awareness Programmes |   Jeweller Awareness Programmes |
|---------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| 2020-21 |                             213 |                              74 |
| 2021-22 |                             821 |                             717 |
| 2022-23 |                             454 |                             293 |
| 2023-24 |                            2300 |                             227 |

(c)  : Hallmarking is presently available to Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts only.

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