Hallmarking sample testing is a crucial process to ensure the purity and authenticity of precious metal jewellery. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established specific guidelines for this process, involving BIS officers, referral labs, jewellers, and Assaying & Hallmarking (A&H) centres. This article explores the detailed procedures for depositing, opening, and authenticating sealed counter samples, ensuring accurate and reliable test results.
BIS officers play a pivotal role in the hallmarking sample testing process. Their responsibilities include coordinating with referral labs, depositing sealed counter samples, and ensuring the integrity of the testing process. BIS officers must carry identity cards and authorization letters during market surveillance and sample collection.
Once the samples are collected, BIS officers deposit them at referral labs for testing. The sealed counter samples are opened in the presence of the jeweller, the A&H centre, and the BIS officer. This ensures transparency and trust in the testing process. The referral lab conducts the tests on priority and provides the results to the BIS office promptly.
Before the testing begins, the jeweller and the A&H centre must authenticate the counter sample. This involves verifying the sealed condition of the sample and ensuring it matches the original sample collected. Both parties then submit an undertaking, agreeing to accept the test results of the counter sample as final and binding, with no further testing allowed.
What is the role of BIS officers in the sample testing process? BIS officers are responsible for coordinating with referral labs, depositing sealed counter samples, and ensuring the integrity and transparency of the testing process.
How are samples authenticated before testing? Samples are authenticated by the jeweller and the A&H centre in the presence of a BIS officer. They verify the sealed condition of the sample and ensure it matches the original sample collected.
What happens if a sample fails the test? If a sample fails the test, the jeweller and A&H centre are notified, and corrective actions are required. Depending on the severity of the failure, further actions, including the potential cancellation of registration, may be initiated.
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