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Guidelines for Jewellers: Prohibited Items for Hallmarking

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the purity and authenticity of precious metal jewellery through its hallmarking process. To maintain these standards, certain items are prohibited from being sent to Assaying & Hallmarking (A&H) centres for hallmarking. This article explores these prohibited items and the reasons behind their restriction.

Prohibited Items for Hallmarking

Jewellers must ensure that specific items are not sent for hallmarking, including:

• Jewellery with "KDM" Markings: Items marked with "KDM" (cadmium soldered) or specific fineness/caratage that do not meet current hallmarking standards should not be submitted for hallmarking.
• Medallions Resembling Currency: Medallions that resemble the currency of any country are also prohibited from being sent to A&H centres for hallmarking.

Reasons for Restrictions

The restrictions on hallmarking certain items are in place to:

• Ensure Authenticity and Standardization: By prohibiting items like "KDM" jewellery, BIS ensures that only items meeting current purity and safety standards are hallmarked.
• Avoid Confusion and Maintain Compliance: Medallions resembling currency can create confusion and potential legal issues, hence their restriction from the hallmarking process.

Implications for Jewellers

Sending prohibited items for hallmarking can lead to several issues:

• Non-Compliance: Jewellers may face regulatory actions if prohibited items are sent for hallmarking.
• Reputation Risks: Non-compliance with BIS guidelines can damage a jeweller’s reputation and consumer trust. To avoid these issues, jewellers should:
• Review Inventory: Ensure that no prohibited items are included in consignments sent for hallmarking.
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of the latest BIS regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance.

Common Questions and Answers

Why is "KDM" jewellery prohibited from hallmarking? "KDM" jewellery often involves cadmium soldering, which does not meet current safety and purity standards. BIS prohibits these items to maintain the integrity of hallmarked jewellery.

What should jewellers do if they have items with restricted markings? Jewellers should either avoid selling these items or clearly inform customers about their non-compliance with current hallmarking standards.

How can jewellers ensure they are compliant with BIS guidelines? Regularly review BIS guidelines, conduct internal audits of inventory, and ensure all staff are trained on the latest regulations.