Gold has long been treasured not only for its beauty but also as a safe investment. It has been the cornerstone of wealth and prosperity in various cultures around the world, especially in India, which stands as the second-largest consumer of gold globally. Most of the gold in India is used for creating jewelry, which holds immense cultural and economic significance. However, with the increasing demand for gold, there has also been a rise in fraudulent practices, such as the sale of substandard or adulterated gold. To counter this, the Government of India introduced hallmarking to ensure that consumers get the gold they are paying for. One of the important components of hallmarking is the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number.
What is the HUID Number?
The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number is a six-digit alphanumeric code assigned to each piece of gold jewelry during the Hallmark Registration process. This code is inscribed on the jewelry using laser engraving and is meant to serve as a unique identifier. The HUID number is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the official body responsible for overseeing the quality and purity of gold and other precious metals in India.
Since its introduction in 2021, the HUID number has become an important part of ensuring the authenticity and purity of gold jewelry. It offers traceability, transparency, and protection to consumers, making it easier to verify the authenticity of gold jewelry before making a purchase. It also helps trace the history and origin of the piece, providing vital information about its purity and the identity of the jeweler.
Components of the Hallmarking
When you buy a piece of gold jewelry that has been hallmarked, there are typically three main symbols or details to look out for:
1. BIS Logo: This logo signifies that the jewelry is certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards, a government agency tasked with overseeing product quality and standards.
2. Purity/Fineness Mark: This symbol indicates the purity of the gold. Common purity marks include 22K, 18K, and 24K, representing gold purities of 91.6%, 75%, and 99.9%, respectively.
3. HUID Number: This is the unique six-digit alphanumeric code that ensures the traceability of the jewelry. Each piece of jewelry has its own distinct HUID, which allows consumers to verify its authenticity.
Together, these components offer a comprehensive guarantee that the gold is of the declared purity and has been certified by an authorized body.
Purpose of the HUID Number
The introduction of the HUID number was a strategic step by the Indian government to combat fraud in the gold market and provide greater transparency to consumers. By offering a unique identifier for each piece of jewelry, the HUID system helps ensure that consumers are buying genuine, high-quality gold. The key purposes of the HUID number are as follows:
1. Ensuring Authenticity
The HUID number helps verify that the gold jewelry is authentic and has passed through the hallmarking process. It serves as proof that the piece has been tested for purity and certified by a government-authorized body, preventing the sale of fake or adulterated gold.
2. Traceability
Each HUID number is linked to a specific piece of jewelry and stored in the BIS database. This means that consumers, jewelers, and regulatory authorities can trace the history of the jewelry, including details about its origin and its current owner. This also helps establish a transparent and reliable gold supply chain.
3. Preventing Fraud
The HUID number acts as a deterrent against fraud and counterfeiting in the gold market. Fraudulent sellers cannot easily replicate the HUID code, and any discrepancy in the code can be flagged for further inspection.
4. Promoting Consumer Confidence
Consumers who are concerned about the authenticity of the gold they purchase can use the HUID number to verify the purity and quality of the jewelry. This fosters greater trust between buyers and sellers, as the gold is now traceable, and its purity guaranteed.
5. Aiding in Resale and Investment
For individuals who view gold as an investment, the HUID number ensures that the purity of their investment is recorded and traceable. This increases the resale value of the gold jewelry since its authenticity and purity are easily verifiable.
How to Check the Gold Purity Using the HUID Number?
To check the purity of gold using the HUID number, follow these simple steps:
1. Look for the HUID Number on the Jewelry
Each piece of gold jewelry that is hallmarked will have the HUID number inscribed on it, usually on a small part of the piece that is less visible but still accessible. This could be the inner side of a ring, the clasp of a necklace, or the back of a pendant.
2. Download the BIS Care App
The Government of India has launched the BIS Care App, which allows consumers to verify the authenticity of the jewelry by entering the HUID number. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms.
3. Enter the HUID Number
Once you have downloaded the app, open it and navigate to the “Verify HUID” section. Enter the six-digit alphanumeric code inscribed on your gold jewelry. The app will then cross-check the HUID with the BIS database and provide you with details about the jewelry, including its purity and the jeweler who registered it.
4. Check the Purity and Other Details
After verifying the HUID number, the app will display information such as the purity of the gold, the jeweler’s name, and other relevant details. If the HUID number is valid and matches the BIS database, you can be confident that the jewelry you purchased is genuine.
If you don’t have access to the BIS Care App, you can also visit the BIS official website to verify the HUID number manually by entering the code.
Who Issues the HUID Number?
The HUID number is issued by BIS-certified Assaying and Hallmarking Centers, which are spread across India. These centers are responsible for testing and certifying the purity of gold jewelry and issuing the HUID number. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) ensures that these centers follow strict quality control guidelines and that the HUID numbers are stored securely in the BIS database.
Role of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the official national standards body in India. It plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and authenticity of goods and services in various sectors, including the precious metals industry. BIS is responsible for setting and enforcing standards for various products, including gold and silver jewelry.
In addition to overseeing the hallmarking process, BIS also provides guidelines for jewelry manufacturers and sellers to follow, ensuring compliance with quality standards. Jewelry that passes BIS certification is guaranteed to be of the declared purity and quality.
Benefits of the HUID Number
The HUID system provides a range of benefits for both consumers and jewelers. Some of the key benefits include:
1. Authenticity and Quality Assurance
With the HUID number, consumers can be confident that the gold they are purchasing is of the declared purity. The HUID number helps eliminate the risk of buying adulterated or counterfeit gold.
2. Improved Customer Trust
The traceability and transparency provided by the HUID number foster trust between buyers and sellers, as both parties can verify the authenticity of the product.
3. Prevention of Fraud
The introduction of the HUID number reduces the chances of fraud in the gold market. Consumers can easily verify whether the jewelry they are buying is genuine or not.
4. Traceability of Gold
Consumers can track the history and origin of the jewelry they purchase, allowing them to know where it came from and who owns it.
5. Legal Protection
In case of disputes, the HUID number acts as a proof of authenticity and can be used to resolve issues related to the quality of gold jewelry.
Conclusion
The Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number has revolutionized the gold jewelry market in India by ensuring that consumers can confidently purchase high-quality, authentic gold. With the support of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and its hallmarking system, the HUID number provides a transparent and traceable solution to combat fraud and protect consumers. By understanding how to check the purity of gold and verifying the HUID number, you can make informed decisions when purchasing gold jewelry, ensuring that your investment is secure and genuine.
If you have any questions regarding any certification under BIS, feel free to book a consultation with our BIS experts. You can reach out to us at info@ccoffice.in or Call/Whatsapp on 9988424211.
FAQs
1. What is the HUID Number?
Ans. The HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) number is a six-digit alphanumeric code that is engraved on gold jewelry to certify its authenticity and purity. It ensures traceability and transparency in the gold market.
2. How Can I Check the Purity of Gold Using the HUID Number?
Ans. To check the purity of gold, download the BIS Care App, enter the HUID number found on your gold jewelry, and the app will verify its authenticity by checking it against the BIS database.
3. Why is the HUID Number Important?
Ans. The HUID number ensures the authenticity and quality of the gold. It helps prevent fraud, provides traceability, and builds consumer trust in the gold jewelry market.
4. Who Issues the HUID Number?
Ans. The HUID number is issued by BIS-certified Assaying and Hallmarking Centers, which are authorized by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
5. Can I Get a Gold Loan Without the HUID Number?
Ans. Yes, you can get a gold loan without the HUID number, but it may involve a more stringent appraisal process, and the loan amount may be lower.
6. How Can I Verify a Gold Jewelry's HUID Number?
Ans. You can verify a gold jewelry's HUID number by using the BIS Care App or by visiting the official BIS website and entering the code.
7. What Does a Hallmark Symbol Mean?
Ans. The hallmark symbol on gold jewelry signifies the purity of the gold. For example, "22K" represents 22-carat gold with 91.6% purity, while "24K" represents pure gold with 99.9% purity.
