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Ensuring Identification and Authorization During BIS Market Surveillance Visits

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates strict identification and authorization requirements for its staff and Hallmarking Agents (HMA) during market surveillance visits. These measures ensure secure and verified compliance checks, enhancing trust and transparency in the hallmarking process.

Identification and Authorization Requirements

To comply with BIS regulations, BIS staff and HMAs must carry the following during market surveillance visits:

BIS Staff Identity Card:

• BIS staff must carry a valid identity card issued by the BIS. This card serves as official identification and confirms their authority to conduct surveillance.

HMA Authorization Letter:

• The HMA must carry an authorization letter from the Head of the Branch Office (BO). This letter authorizes the HMA to conduct surveillance and specifies the jewellers they are allotted to visit.

Verification Process for Jewellers

Jewellers have the right to verify the credentials of BIS staff and HMAs during surveillance visits. The process includes:

Checking Identification:

• Jewellers should ask to see the BIS staff identity card and the HMA authorization letter upon their arrival.

Online Verification:

• Jewellers can verify the identity of BIS staff and HMA by entering their credentials on the BIS website. This step ensures that the individuals conducting the surveillance are officially authorized.

Steps if Verification Fails:

• If the credentials cannot be verified, jewellers should contact the nearest BIS office immediately for clarification and further instructions.

Guidelines for BIS Staff and HMA

To ensure compliance and smooth surveillance operations, BIS staff and HMAs should follow these guidelines:

Carry Identification and Authorization:

• Always carry the BIS identity card and HMA authorization letter during surveillance visits.

Visit Only Allotted Jewellers:

• Conduct surveillance only at the jeweller outlets specified by the Head of the BO. This ensures a structured and organized surveillance process.

Benefits of Secure Identification and Authorization

Implementing strict identification and authorization measures offers several benefits:

Ensuring Trust and Transparency: Verified credentials build trust between jewellers and the BIS surveillance team, ensuring a transparent compliance check process.

Enhancing the Integrity of the Surveillance Process: Secure identification and authorization maintain the integrity of the surveillance process, preventing unauthorized or fraudulent checks.

Common Questions and Answers

What identification should BIS staff carry during surveillance visits? BIS staff must carry a valid identity card issued by the BIS, confirming their authority to conduct surveillance.

What is the purpose of the HMA authorization letter? The authorization letter from the Head of the BO authorizes the HMA to conduct surveillance and specifies the jewellers they are allotted to visit.

How can jewellers verify the credentials of BIS staff and HMA? Jewellers can verify the credentials by checking the BIS identity card, HMA authorization letter, and entering the credentials on the BIS website.