Hallmarking on gold jewellery mandatory from Feb 2021: Paswan.

Patna, 20 Jan (HS): Hallmark for gold jewellery has been made mandatory for which Gazette notification was issued on January 15 by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs by giving one year time for its implementation.

Making this announcement here on Monday Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Ram Vilas Paswan said no gold jewellery would be sold without hallmark which would carry carat and manufacturers name. After 15 February 2021, it would be strictly implemented”.  Paswan said, “Any person who contravenes of this order shall be punishable under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standard Act, 2016, which will include both fine and jail term.”

Paswan said the government move would benefit the consumers who are often cheated by the jewellers particularly in rural areas during the marriage season. He said the hallmarking protect the public against lower carat and ensure that consumers are not cheated while buying gold ornaments and get the purity as marked on the ornaments. He said the hallmarked gold jewellery was now available in only three grades of 14, 18 and 22 carats. Earlier it was available in ten grades.

During the one year implementation period, additional centers would be set up by private entrepreneurs at the locations where there would be demand. Jewellers registration process would be completed and jewellers and retailers would also get one year time for clearing their old or existing stock, the Minister informed.

The Minister said an awareness campaign on mandatory hallmarking for jewellers and common consumers would be organized at various locations across the country. Bureau of Indian Standard is also planning to outreach the consumers through social media and other forums.

Hindusthan Samachar / Faizan Ahmad /Nagaraj Rao

Submitted By: Radha Tiwary Edited By: Radha Tiwary Published By: Radha Tiwary at Jan 20 2020 4:08PM