Bureau of Indian Standards hikes gold hallmarking fees by 67%

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has increased the mandatory hallmarking fee for gold jewelry by approximately 67%, raising the cost from Rs 45 to Rs 75 per article. The new regulations, which took effect on September 14, 2026, also introduce a minimum fee of Rs 200 per consignment for gold. Silver hallmarking fees remain unchanged at Rs 35 per article, with a minimum consignment fee of Rs 150.

This fee hike comes immediately ahead of the Indian festive and wedding seasons, a period of high demand for precious metals. Industry bodies, including the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), have expressed strong opposition to the decision. They argue that the sharp increase in compliance costs could disproportionately affect small jewelers and lightweight jewelry, where the fixed fee represents a larger share of the item's value.

Jewelers have warned that these additional costs may ultimately be passed on to consumers. Some industry representatives have urged the government to either roll back the hike or provide subsidies to maintain business viability and prevent potential market distortions, such as the rise of unauthorized or fake hallmarking centers.