BIS Mumbai Cracks Down On Fake Hallmarked Gold, Seizes Jewellery
Mumbai, 19 March 2025
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Mumbai Branch Office – II, conducted a search and seizure operation on 19th March 2025 in Thane District, targeting M/s Jay Bhawani Jewellers, Badlapur East. During the operation, 251.390 grams of gold jewellery worth approximately ₹21 lakhs was seized for bearing spurious hallmark symbols without a valid Hallmark Unique Identification Digit (HUID).
As per the Gazette Notification Order No. 1047(E) dated 3rd March 2023, under the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts (Amendment) Order, 2023, it is mandatory that no jeweler shall sell gold jewellery without a valid HUID mark after 31st March 2023. The enforcement raid was conducted to ensure compliance with these regulatory provisions. Under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, legal action is being initiated against the aforementioned jeweler. The Act stipulates penalties, including imprisonment for a term of up to one year or a fine not less than ₹1 lakh, which may extend up to five times the value of the seized goods, or both, as per the court’s decision.
To safeguard consumers from fraudulent practices, BIS is actively conducting search and seizure operations against manufacturers and retailers engaging in the sale of counterfeit or non-compliant goods. Consumers are advised to verify the authenticity of jewellery and other BIS-certified products through the BIS Care App. If any misuse of BIS Standard Marks (ISI Mark, BIS Registration Mark, BIS Hallmark, or BIS Management Systems Certifications) is identified, complaints may be submitted via email, letter, or the BIS Care App, available on Google Play Store and App Store. The identity of the complainant will be kept confidential.
