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Understanding the BIS Market Surveillance Team for Registered Jewellers

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates market surveillance to ensure compliance with hallmarking regulations for registered jewellers. A well-composed surveillance team is crucial for carrying out this task effectively, ensuring that the jewellery meets BIS standards and maintaining industry integrity.

Market Surveillance Team Composition

BIS market surveillance is conducted by a team of at least two representatives, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation. The team consists of:

Hallmarking Agent (HMA):

• A certified professional responsible for verifying hallmarking standards.
• The HMA plays a crucial role in identifying and assessing the hallmarked jewellery.

BIS Staff Employees:

• One or two BIS staff members accompany the HMA during surveillance.
• These employees assist in the documentation, sample collection, and overall evaluation process.

Responsibilities of the Surveillance Team

During market surveillance, the team performs various tasks to ensure thorough and fair evaluation:

Verification of Hallmarks:

• The HMA and BIS staff check the hallmarked jewellery for compliance with BIS standards.
• They verify the hallmark components, including the BIS logo, purity mark, AHC identification, and jeweller’s identification.

Sample Collection:

• The team randomly selects jewellery samples for testing.
• They document the HUID numbers and other relevant details of the selected samples.

Compliance Checks:

• The team reviews the jeweller’s records and documentation to ensure compliance with hallmarking regulations.
• They check for the availability of required tools such as magnifying glasses and weighing balances.

Guidelines for Market Surveillance

To conduct effective market surveillance, the team follows these best practices:

Preparation:

• The team prepares in advance by reviewing the jeweller’s registration details and past compliance records.

Fair Evaluation:

• The surveillance process is conducted fairly and impartially, ensuring that all jewellers are evaluated against the same standards.

Documentation:

• The team maintains detailed records of the surveillance process, including sample details, observations, and compliance status.

Cooperation:

• Ensuring cooperation from jewellers is crucial. The team communicates the purpose of surveillance and encourages transparency.

Benefits of an Effective Surveillance Team

An effective surveillance team offers several benefits:

Enhancing Trust and Transparency: Regular and thorough surveillance builds customer trust by ensuring the authenticity and quality of hallmarked jewellery.

Maintaining High Standards: The surveillance process helps maintain high industry standards and ensures compliance with hallmarking regulations.

Common Questions and Answers

Who are the members of the BIS market surveillance team? The team consists of at least one Hallmarking Agent (HMA) and one or two BIS staff employees.

What are the specific roles of the HMA and BIS staff during surveillance? The HMA verifies the hallmark components, while BIS staff assist with documentation, sample collection, and overall evaluation.

How does the surveillance team ensure compliance with hallmarking regulations? The team conducts thorough checks of the hallmarked jewellery, reviews compliance records, and verifies the availability of required tools.