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BIS Market Surveillance Sampling Methods: Cutting, Drilling, and Scrapping

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates specific methods for drawing samples during market surveillance to ensure compliance with hallmarking regulations. Accurate sampling is crucial for verifying the authenticity and quality of hallmarked jewellery. This article outlines the methods used for sampling and the requirements for jewellers to have appropriate facilities.

Sampling Methods: Cutting, Drilling, and Scrapping

BIS representatives use three primary methods for drawing samples from jewellery:

  1. Cutting:
    • Explanation: A small portion of the jewellery piece is cut off for testing.
    • Usage: Used when a significant sample size is required for accurate testing.
  2. Drilling:
    • Explanation: A small hole is drilled into the jewellery to extract a sample.
    • Usage: Used for items where cutting is not feasible or might cause excessive damage.
  3. Scrapping:
    • Explanation: A small amount of material is scraped off the surface of the jewellery.
    • Usage: Used for surface testing and when minimal sample size is needed.

Jeweller Requirements for Sampling Facilities

Registered jewellers must have the necessary facilities to allow BIS representatives to draw samples using the above methods:

Ensuring Availability:

  • Jewellers should be equipped with tools and facilities for cutting, drilling, and scrapping.
  • Ensure that these tools are readily available during market surveillance visits.

Preparing for Surveillance Visits:

  • Maintain and organize sampling tools to facilitate efficient and accurate sampling.
  • Train staff on the importance of these facilities and how to assist BIS representatives.

Guidelines for Effective Sampling

To ensure effective and compliant sampling, jewellers and BIS representatives should follow these best practices:

Best Practices for Sampling:

  • Use appropriate tools for each sampling method to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Handle jewellery carefully to minimize damage during the sampling process.

Ensuring Minimal Damage:

  • Perform sampling in a manner that preserves the integrity of the jewellery as much as possible.
  • Inform customers about the sampling process and its importance for maintaining quality standards.

Benefits of Accurate Sampling

Accurate sampling during market surveillance offers several benefits:

Enhancing Compliance and Transparency:

  • Ensures that hallmarked jewellery meets BIS standards, building customer trust.
  • Demonstrates the jeweller's commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.

Maintaining High Standards of Quality and Authenticity:

  • Regular and thorough sampling helps maintain industry standards and compliance with hallmarking regulations.

Common Questions and Answers

What are the different methods of sampling during market surveillance? The methods include cutting, drilling, and scrapping, each used based on the requirements and feasibility for accurate testing.

Why is it important for jewellers to have sampling facilities? Having sampling facilities ensures that BIS representatives can draw accurate samples during market surveillance, verifying compliance with hallmarking regulations.

How can jewellers prepare for BIS sampling during surveillance? Jewellers should maintain and organize sampling tools, ensure staff are trained to assist, and have facilities ready for use during surveillance visits.

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