Silver jewellery in India has entered a new era of transparency.

From 1 September 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) introduced Hallmarking Unique Identification, or HUID, for hallmarked silver jewellery and silver articles.

The move brings silver closer to the traceability system already familiar to buyers of hallmarked gold jewellery. Every silver article that is hallmarked under the revised BIS standard can now carry a unique six-digit HUID that allows consumers to verify important details about the piece.

But there is an important distinction to understand: silver hallmarking itself remains voluntary, while HUID is mandatory for silver articles that are submitted for and receive BIS hallmarking.

So, what exactly has changed, and what does it mean when you buy a silver ring, bracelet, anklet or other jewellery?

What is HUID?

HUID stands for Hallmarking Unique Identification.

It is a unique six-digit alphanumeric code assigned to an individual hallmarked silver article. The code is laser-marked onto the jewellery and creates a digital link between the physical piece and its hallmarking records.

Under the revised IS 2112:2025 standard, the hallmark on silver consists of three key components:

• BIS Standard Mark with the word “SILVER”
• Purity grade/fineness
• Six-digit HUID code

This means that a hallmarked silver jewellery piece is no longer identified only by its purity mark. It can also be digitally traced through its unique HUID.

Why has HUID been introduced for silver?

Silver has always been an important part of India's jewellery market. From everyday rings and bracelets to anklets, chains and traditional ornaments, silver jewellery is purchased by millions of consumers.

However, unlike gold, silver hallmarking has remained a voluntary system since it was introduced in India in 2005.

The introduction of HUID is intended to make the existing silver hallmarking system more transparent and easier to verify.

A unique identification number can help:

Improve traceability
Each hallmarked article receives its own unique identity.

Strengthen consumer confidence
Buyers can verify information associated with the hallmark rather than relying solely on the seller's claim.

Discourage fake hallmarking
Digital traceability makes it more difficult to misuse or replicate hallmarking marks.

Improve accountability
The hallmarking record can connect the jewellery with the jeweller and the Assaying & Hallmarking Centre involved in the process.

BIS describes hallmarking as a system designed to protect consumers against adulteration and provide assurance about the fineness of precious-metal articles.

What information can you check using HUID?

One of the biggest advantages for consumers is that the HUID can be verified through the BIS CARE app.

For silver jewellery hallmarked under the new system, consumers can access information such as:

• Article type
• Purity grade/fineness
• Date of hallmarking/first point of sale
• Details of the Assaying & Hallmarking Centre
• Jeweller's BIS registration number

This gives consumers a much clearer picture of the history and certification of a hallmarked silver article.

Which silver purity grades are recognised?

The revised BIS standard, IS 2112:2025, provides seven purity grades for silver:

The revised standard added 958 and 999 grades, while the earlier 900 grade was removed from the revised list.

For consumers, this is an important reminder: “silver jewellery” does not automatically mean 92.5% silver.

The purity grade tells you the actual fineness of the silver.

For example, 925 silver means 925 parts of silver per 1,000 parts of the alloy, or 92.5% silver.

Does every silver jewellery piece now need a HUID?

This is where there is often confusion.

No.

The current system does not mean that every piece of silver jewellery in India must automatically be hallmarked with a HUID.

Silver hallmarking continues to operate on a voluntary basis. However, when a silver article is hallmarked under the revised system, the HUID requirement applies to that hallmarked article.

In simple terms:

Voluntary silver hallmarking → HUID mandatory on the hallmarked article

This distinction is important for both consumers and jewellers.

How is silver HUID different from the old silver hallmark?

Before the introduction of the revised standard, silver hallmarking used a different marking system.

Under the previous IS 2112:2014 standard, silver hallmarking included the BIS mark along with “SILVER”, the purity/fineness, the Assay Centre identification mark and the jeweller/manufacturer identification mark.

The new IS 2112:2025 system simplifies this into a three-part hallmark:

BIS + SILVER + Purity + HUID

The HUID adds a digital traceability layer to the physical hallmark.

What does this mean for silver jewellery buyers?

For customers, the change is ultimately about greater confidence at the time of purchase.

When buying hallmarked silver jewellery, customers should look for the appropriate BIS hallmark and purity information and, where applicable, the six-digit HUID.

The HUID can then be checked using the BIS CARE app.

This is particularly useful when purchasing higher-value silver jewellery, investment-oriented silver articles or products where purity is an important consideration.

Instead of simply being told that a piece is “925 silver”, consumers have a way to independently verify the hallmarking information associated with the article.

What does this mean for jewellers?

The introduction of HUID also changes the way jewellers handle hallmarked silver.

A jeweller selling hallmarked precious-metal articles must comply with the applicable BIS registration and hallmarking requirements. BIS states that manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers engaged in selling hallmarked gold or silver articles are required to obtain BIS registration, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.

The hallmarking process involves submitting jewellery to a BIS-recognised Assaying & Hallmarking Centre, where the article is tested before the appropriate hallmark is applied.

This creates greater accountability throughout the hallmarking process.

Is HUID going to make silver jewellery more trustworthy?

That is one of the most important potential benefits.

A physical hallmark can tell a customer the declared purity of a piece. HUID goes one step further by providing a unique digital identity for the hallmarked article.

This combination of:

Physical hallmark + purity grade + unique digital identification

can make it easier for consumers to distinguish genuine hallmarked jewellery from jewellery carrying questionable or misleading markings.

BIS has specifically described the introduction of HUID as a measure aimed at strengthening consumer protection, improving purity assurance and curbing fake hallmarking practices.

What should you check when buying silver jewellery?

The next time you purchase hallmarked silver jewellery, take a moment to check:

1. Look for the BIS Standard Mark

Make sure the jewellery carries the appropriate BIS hallmark.

2. Check the purity grade

Look for the fineness, such as 925, 950, 990 or 999, depending on the product.

3. Look for the HUID

Hallmarked silver under the new HUID system should carry its unique six-digit alphanumeric identification.

4. Verify the HUID

Use the BIS CARE app to check the details associated with the HUID.

5. Keep your invoice

Your purchase invoice remains important. It provides details of the product and transaction and can be useful if you ever need to raise a complaint or verify your purchase.

A new chapter for silver jewellery in India

The introduction of HUID marks an important development in India's silver jewellery industry.

While it is not correct to say that all silver jewellery has become subject to mandatory hallmarking, the introduction of mandatory HUID for hallmarked silver represents a significant move toward greater digital traceability.

For customers, it means more information.

For jewellers, it means greater accountability.

And for the silver jewellery industry as a whole, it represents a move toward a more transparent and trustworthy marketplace.

As silver continues to be one of India's most popular precious metals, systems such as HUID can help bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern expectations of authenticity, traceability and consumer protection.

The future of silver jewellery isn't just about how beautiful a piece looks. It's also about knowing exactly what you're buying.