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Liability and Compensation: Ensuring Purity and Fineness in Hallmarked Jewellery

Maintaining the purity and fineness of hallmarked jewellery is crucial for ensuring consumer trust and upholding industry standards. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established clear guidelines outlining the responsibilities of registered jewellers and the compensation liabilities for any shortages in purity or fineness. This article provides an in-depth look at these responsibilities and the importance of compliance with BIS rules.

Responsibilities of Registered Jewellers

Registered jewellers are responsible for ensuring that every hallmarked article meets the required standards of purity and fineness. This responsibility begins with the hallmarking process, where the jewellery is tested and certified by a BIS-recognized Assaying & Hallmarking (A&H) centre. Once certified, the jeweller is accountable for the integrity of the hallmark and the quality of the jewellery sold to consumers.

Compensation for Shortage in Purity or Fineness

According to clause 49 of BIS Rules 2018, if a registered jeweller sells jewellery that falls short of the declared purity or fineness, they are liable to compensate the consumer. The process for addressing such issues involves:

  1. Verification: The consumer can get the jewellery tested at a BIS-recognized A&H centre.
  2. Complaint: If the jewellery is found substandard, the consumer can file a complaint with BIS.
  3. Compensation: The jeweller must compensate the consumer for any shortage in purity or fineness, as determined by the test results.

Ensuring Compliance and Consumer Protection

To ensure compliance with BIS regulations, jewellers must:

  • Regularly verify the purity and fineness of their stock.
  • Maintain accurate records of hallmarking and testing.
  • Display BIS certification and hallmarking details prominently in their sales outlets.

These steps help protect consumers and maintain trust in the jewellery industry, ensuring that hallmarked articles meet the highest standards of quality.

Common Questions and Answers

What are the responsibilities of registered jewellers regarding hallmarking? Registered jewellers must ensure that their hallmarked jewellery meets BIS standards for purity and fineness and must maintain proper records and display certification details.

How is compensation determined for substandard jewellery? Compensation is determined based on the shortage in purity or fineness, as verified by a BIS-recognized A&H centre, and the jeweller is liable to compensate the consumer accordingly.

What actions can consumers take if they find substandard jewellery? Consumers can get the jewellery tested at a BIS-recognized A&H centre and file a complaint with BIS if the jewellery is found to be substandard.

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