Ensuring the fineness of precious metal jewellery is crucial for maintaining consumer trust and upholding industry standards. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established guidelines for hallmarking that include procedures for handling sample failures due to shortages in fineness. This article explores the steps taken when a hallmarking sample fails due to fineness shortage, focusing on the process of drawing random samples for independent testing.
A fineness shortage occurs when the purity of a precious metal sample is below the marked fineness by a specific amount. According to BIS guidelines, a fineness shortage of above 5 parts per thousand (ppt) up to and including 40 ppt requires further action. This ensures that any discrepancies in the hallmarking process are addressed promptly and accurately.
When a sample fails due to a fineness shortage within the specified range, BIS mandates that a random sample must be drawn for independent testing within 30 days from the date of intimation of failure. This process aims to verify the initial results and ensure that the hallmarking standards are consistently met.
The independent testing process involves several key steps:
This process is crucial for maintaining the credibility of the hallmarking system and ensuring that any discrepancies are thoroughly investigated and resolved.
What is considered a shortage in fineness? A shortage in fineness is when the purity of the precious metal is below the marked fineness by more than 5 ppt up to and including 40 ppt.
How does BIS handle sample failures? BIS requires that a random sample be drawn and independently tested within 30 days of the initial failure to verify the results.
What are the next steps if a sample fails the retest? If the sample fails the retest, further actions, including potential corrective measures or cancellation of registration, may be initiated to ensure compliance with hallmarking standards.
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