Patna: The authenticity and purity of gold jewellery sold throughout Bihar are called into doubt because a startling 96% of jewellers in the state do not hold a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmarking licence. Of the more than 100,000 registered jewellers in the state, just 4,219 have acquired the necessary licence, even though hallmarking for gold and silver jewellery has been required since July 1, 2021. This figure highlights a notable discrepancy in adherence to national norms.
Currently, hallmarking is compulsory in 23 of Bihar’s 38 districts, with plans to extend this requirement to 15 additional districts, including Araria, Arwal, Aurangabad, and West Champaran. However, the adoption rate remains low, with many jewelers operating without the necessary certification.
Notably, approximately 80% of jewelers do not possess a Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration, which further complicates enforcement and accountability.The hallmarking process, which costs around Rs 45 per item, is relatively inexpensive.
However, the lack of awareness and perceived bureaucratic hurdles deter many jewelers from obtaining the license. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has been conducting awareness programs and is considering legal actions, including fines, against non-compliant jewelers to ensure consumer protection and uphold industry standards.
