The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) plays a crucial role in the hallmarking of jewellery, ensuring that consumers receive products of verified purity and authenticity. For jewellers, obtaining and maintaining a certificate of registration from BIS is essential for operating legally and building trust with customers.
The BIS Act 2016 and BIS Rules 2018 establish the legal framework for hallmarking and the certification of jewellers. These regulations outline the procedures and standards that jewellers must adhere to in order to obtain and maintain their certification.
The BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations 2018 provide detailed guidelines on the hallmarking process. The 2021 amendments introduced significant changes to enhance the accuracy and reliability of hallmarking, impacting how jewellers operate and comply with these regulations.
Jewellers seeking certification must apply online through the Manakonline portal of BIS. The process includes submitting necessary documentation and meeting eligibility criteria. Once approved, jewellers receive their certificate of registration, which must be displayed at their sales outlets.
Maintaining the certificate involves complying with various operational requirements, such as displaying hallmarking information and providing tools for customers to verify jewellery details. Regular updates and adherence to BIS guidelines are crucial for continued certification.
BIS conducts annual market surveillance to ensure jewellers comply with hallmarking standards. This includes random checks, sample testing, and verifying the authenticity of hallmarked jewellery. Non-compliance can result in warnings or cancellation of the certificate.
Certificates can be cancelled if jewellers fail to comply with regulations or engage in unfair practices. The cancellation process involves issuing warnings, seeking corrective actions, and formal cancellation if issues persist. The consequences of cancellation can be severe, affecting the jeweller's ability to operate legally.
Regional and branch offices handle unique situations not explicitly covered by the guidelines, ensuring that all cases are dealt with according to BIS provisions. This flexibility allows BIS to address specific issues effectively.
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