Over 1kg of Unhallmarked Gold Jewellery Seized in Vijayawada by BIS Officials

Fast Summary

• Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) officials conducted a raid on Sri Lakshmi Hallmarking Center in Narsannapeta, Srikakulam district, acting on a complaint about fake Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID).
• BIS seized a fake laser marking machine used for unauthorized HUID engraving and 1.072 kg of gold ornaments without valid HUID.
• the investigation revealed links to GNR Gold and Diamonds jewelry shop at the same location,from which the gold was confiscated.
• BIS filed charges under the BIS Act, 2016; offenders face penalties of imprisonment up to one year or fines starting from ₹1 lakh.
• Consumers were advised to check BIS certification, purity levels, and HUID details via the BIS Care Mobile App before purchasing gold jewelry.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The incident underscores the importance of enforcing stringent quality control measures in India’s hallmarking process for precious metals like gold. While hallmarking enhances consumer confidence and ensures purity standards, such fraudulent activities undermine trust in regulated systems. With India’s global status as one of the largest buyers of gold, securing compliance with hallmarking protocols is critical not only for consumer protection but also for maintaining industry integrity.

Proactive actions by institutions like BIS demonstrate commitment toward addressing loopholes that could be exploited by fraudulent operators. Public awareness initiatives encouraging consumers to utilize tools like mobile apps are equally meaningful as they promote informed buying decisions while deterring malpractices.

For broader implications, continuous vigilance against counterfeiting can further support India’s push toward openness in business practices-a necessary condition given its aspirations to boost exports and align with international standards in trade-related certifications.

read more: The Hindu