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Annual Market Surveillance Requirements for Registered Jewellers

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates annual market surveillance for all registered jewellers to ensure compliance with hallmarking regulations. This surveillance process helps maintain the authenticity and quality of hallmarked jewellery, building trust with customers and upholding industry standards.

Annual Market Surveillance

BIS requires that each Branch Office (BO) undertakes at least one market surveillance every year within their territorial jurisdiction. This surveillance includes all registered jewellers, including those with corporate registrations.

Frequency and Scope:

• Annual Requirement: Each BO must conduct at least one market surveillance annually.
• Inclusion of Corporate Registered Jewellers: All jewellers, regardless of their registration type, are subject to surveillance.

Drawing Market Samples

During market surveillance, it is crucial to ensure that samples are drawn from various Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs). This approach guarantees a comprehensive assessment of hallmarking practices across different centres.

Ensuring Coverage of Different AHCs:

• Diverse Sampling: Ensure that market samples are drawn from jewellery hallmarked by different AHCs within the jurisdiction.
• Representative Sampling: Select samples that represent the variety of jewellery types and hallmarking centres.

Process of Drawing Market Samples:

1. Random Selection: Choose jewellery pieces randomly from the jeweller's displayed stock.
2. Documentation: Record details of the selected samples, including their HUID numbers and associated AHCs.
3. Testing: Send the samples for testing to verify their compliance with BIS hallmarking standards.

Guidelines for Compliance

Jewellers should be prepared for market surveillance to ensure smooth operations and compliance:

Prepare Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of all hallmarked jewellery, including HUID numbers and AHC details.

Ensure Cooperation:

• Cooperate fully with BIS representatives during the surveillance process.
• Provide access to the required jewellery samples and necessary documentation.

Regular Review:

• Regularly review and audit internal processes to ensure compliance with BIS hallmarking regulations.

Benefits of Market Surveillance

Conducting annual market surveillance offers several benefits:

• Enhancing Trust and Transparency: Regular surveillance builds customer trust by ensuring the authenticity and quality of hallmarked jewellery.
• Maintaining High Standards: Surveillance helps maintain high industry standards and compliance with hallmarking regulations.

Common Questions and Answers

What is the frequency of BIS market surveillance? BIS requires at least one market surveillance to be conducted annually within each BO's territorial jurisdiction.

How are different AHCs covered during sample drawing? Different AHCs are covered by ensuring that market samples are drawn from jewellery hallmarked by various AHCs within the jurisdiction.

What should jewellers do to prepare for market surveillance? Jewellers should maintain accurate records of hallmarked jewellery, ensure cooperation with BIS representatives, and regularly review internal processes for compliance.