Mandatory Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery comes into force from 16TH JUNE 2021

The government declared in November 2019 that from January 15, 2021, hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts will be required across the country. However, due to the pandemic, the deadline was extended for four months, from June 1 to June 15.

After a meeting with industry stakeholders, Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal made a decision in this regard.

Following are the key takeaways from Meeting

• Hallmarking will be implemented in phases, beginning with 256 districts across the country that have Assaying Marking Centers.
• Jewellers with annual turnover up to Rs. 40 lacs will be exempted from mandatory Hallmarking.
• Export and re-import of jewellery are permissible under the Government of India's Trade Policy, with the exception of jewellery for foreign exhibitions and government-approved B2B domestic Exhibitions.
• Jewellers in 256 districts will be able to sell only 14 carats, 18 carats, and 22 carat gold jewellery starting June 16. It further said that gold with additional carat weights of 20, 23, and 24 would be accepted for hallmarking.
• Watches, fountain pens and special types of jewellery viz. Kundan, Polki and Jadau will be exempted from Hallmarking.
• Jewellers can continue to buy back old gold jewellery without a hallmark from consumers.
• In order to give adequate time to the manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of Gold Jewellery, there would be No penalties till August end.

• Old jewellery can be got hallmarked as it is, if feasible by the jeweller or after melting and making new jewellery.
• A committee consisting of representatives of all stakeholders, revenue officials and legal experts will be formed to look into the issues that may possibly emerge during the implementation of the scheme.

• Shri Goyal said that constructive suggestions are always welcome, and implementation should be effective. It may be noted that Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery was earlier set to begin from 15th June 2021.