Gold purchases typically rise during the festive season in India, with many households buying jewellery, coins and bars for investment or as part of tradition. This uptick in demand is often witnessed during Akshaya Tritiya and Dhanteras, when buying the yellow metal is considered auspicious. According to reports from Mint, this year, Dhanteras falls on November 6, making it crucial for buyers to ensure the authenticity of their gold purchases, particularly important if buying from local or small jewellery stores.
The importance of HUID verification has gained new urgency following recent enforcement actions by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). In July 2026, BIS reported action against two jewellery establishments in Ahmedabad where gold jewellery bearing fake hallmarks and lacking the prescribed Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number was found. As reported by Business Standard, this incident serves as a reminder that even familiar-looking purity marks should not be accepted unquestioningly, particularly ahead of Dhanteras when buying gold is as much a religious tradition as a financial decision.
While checking the hallmark is the first step for most buyers, it may not be sufficient to ensure authenticity as fake hallmarks can also be used on gold jewellery. As reported by Mint, the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) code becomes crucial in this scenario. The six-character alphanumeric code stamped on BIS-hallmarked gold jewellery allows buyers to verify details and purity through the BIS Care mobile app or online portal. According to PMJ GOLD, if a seller offers a discount to buy gold without a hallmark or HUID stamp, buyers are not saving money—they are purchasing unverified metal that will cost heavily at sell-back. According to Mint, with gold prices remaining elevated, even a small difference in purity can result in significant financial loss for buyers.
The HUID verification process involves five key steps according to Mint's comprehensive guide. Step 1 requires locating the 6-character alphanumeric code near the BIS logo, purity stamp (22K or 18K), and jeweller's identification mark. Step 2 involves downloading the BIS CARE app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Step 3 involves typing the HUID code exactly as it appears on the jewellery piece. Step 4 displays jeweller's registration details, hallmarking date, centre, and gold purity. Step 5 requires cross-checking these details with the physical item and receipt before purchase. As per PMJ GOLD, BIS hallmarking is now mandatory consumer protection, with the tiny 6-digit alphanumeric code guaranteeing verified authenticity when buyers hold jewellery or coins in their hand. For jewellery sold as a pair, such as earrings, BIS guidelines require each article to carry its own hallmark and HUID, with detachable components separately hallmarked. According to Business Standard, consumers can approach a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC) for independent purity testing, with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing being non-destructive and fire assay being more comprehensive, though both methods have their limitations.
According to Mint's report, if hallmarked jewellery proves to have lesser purity than marked, buyers are entitled to compensation under BIS rules. The compensation amount is calculated as twice the value of purity shortfall for the jewellery's weight, along with testing charges incurred by the consumer. For unhallmarked gold jewellery, testing can be conducted at BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres for a prescribed fee. PMJ GOLD deals exclusively in 100% BIS Hallmarked 24K and 22K bullion with verifiable digital records, emphasizing the importance of verified standards in the current market. According to Business Standard, consumers should preserve the disputed jewellery in its existing condition and avoid having it altered or melted before necessary evidence is secured. The compensation provision under Rule 49 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Rules, 2018 applies when hallmarked precious-metal jewellery is found below declared purity, with the buyer not automatically receiving twice the entire purchase price but compensation linked to the deficiency in purity.
Gold rates on the multi commodity exchange (MCX) have declined significantly, falling more than ₹38,600 from their record high of ₹1,80,779 per 10 grams recorded on January 29, 2026. As reported by Mint, this sharp volatility is attributed to escalating West Asia tensions, rising crude oil prices, and persistent US inflation concerns. However, the price decline has created buying opportunities, with lower gold prices encouraging purchases during Dussehra and potential increased buying during Dhanteras ahead of Diwali in November. The current market environment makes HUID verification even more crucial for buyers seeking genuine gold purchases, while digital gold emerges as the most cost-efficient option for pure gold acquisition with no making or minting charges. According to Mint, buyers should understand that mandatory hallmarking requirements for gold jewellery do not apply exactly the same way to gold coins and bars, as gold bullion and coins of 999 or 995 fineness can be hallmarked by BIS-approved refineries and mints. According to Business Standard, consumers should retain the purchase invoice and testing report when seeking compensation, as the invoice can serve as important evidence if a dispute arises.
