India is fully prepared to implement compulsory hallmarking of gold jewellery from June 1, 2021.
Hallmarking for gold jewellery began in April 2000 as a voluntary scheme. Presently, around 40 per cent of gold jewellery sold in India is being hallmarked.
“No extension has been sought. The Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) is already fully energised and involved in giving approvals to jewellers for hallmarking,” said consumer affairs secretary Leena Nandan.
Centre in November 2019 had notified that hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts would be made mandatory across the country from January 15, 2021.
But the deadline was extended till June 1 after jewellers asked for more time in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
India is the largest importer of gold. This is because of the demand of jewellery industry which imports 700-800 tonne annually.
Mandatory hallmarking means that jewellers will be able to sell hallmark certified 14-, 18- or 22-carat gold jewellery.
This mandatory hallmarking will protect the public against lower caratage. It will also ensure consumers are not cheated and get the purity as marked on the ornaments.
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