What is HUID Number – How to Identify and Verify HUID Hallmark

HUID full form stands for Hallmark Unique Identification, a system introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in July 2021 to improve the transparency and authenticity of gold jewellery. Every hallmarked piece of gold now carries a unique code known as the gold jewellery HUID, which helps verify its origin, purity, and certification.

This reform was designed to eliminate fake hallmarking and make the gold trade more transparent.

For buyers, this ensures confidence while making a purchase. For lenders, it provides a reliable way to assess gold purity before approving loans. 

Let’s understand how HUID hallmarking works and why it’s vital for every gold buyer.

What is the Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID)

To understand what is HUID number, it is a unique six-character alphanumeric code engraved on every hallmarked gold item in India. This code was introduced by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to help verify the authenticity and purity of gold jewellery.

The gold jewellery HUID is laser engraved alongside the BIS logo, the purity grade such as 22K or 18K, and the jeweller’s identification mark. This placement helps in easy and reliable identification during verification.

The purpose of the HUID system can be understood through three key functions:

• Traceability: Each HUID code links the jewellery to its hallmarking centre and jeweller. This allows complete tracking of its origin and certification details.
• Anti-counterfeit measure: The six-character code functions as an anti-counterfeit measure because it prevents anyone from creating duplicate gold items that would have matching identities.
• Database Storage: The BIS digital database stores all HUIDs which consumers and institutions can verify through the BIS CARE app.

By understanding the hallmarking meaning behind this system, buyers gain confidence that their jewellery is genuine, traceable, and compliant with BIS standards.

Importance of HUID in Gold Jewellery

The introduction of the gold jewellery HUID has significantly improved transparency and reliability in India’s gold market. It ensures that every gold ornament sold meets the purity standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

One of the main benefits of this system is that it confirms the authenticity and purity of gold under official BIS guidelines. This protects buyers from counterfeit or duplicate hallmarking.

The gold jewellery HUID also strengthens consumer confidence. Since each item carries a unique code, it can be traced from the jeweller to the customer, reducing the risk of fraud or misrepresentation.

Additionally, the HUID system enhances traceability by storing every certified item in the BIS database. This allows both consumers and authorities to verify the source and details of gold quickly and accurately.

It streamlines loan verification procedures for financial institutions. The gold jewellery HUID allows banks and NBFCs to validate purity easily, making gold loans faster and more secure.

All things considered, this program encourages equity, fosters trust, and guarantees transparency throughout the jewellery industry.

Full Form of HUID and Its Details

The HUID full form stands for Hallmark Unique Identification. It is a six-character alphanumeric code that ensures every hallmarked gold item can be uniquely identified and verified.

Each gold jewellery HUID is issued by a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre. Below is a quick reference to understand the complete details of the HUID system.

The HUID code receives laser inscription which creates non-repetitive digital records for every gold piece. The BIS database enables complete item tracking through the HUID code which connects to the hallmarking centre and the jeweller who performed testing.

Legal Requirements and Compliance for HUID Hallmarking

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made hallmarking with HUID mandatory to ensure uniformity, purity, and consumer protection across the jewellery market.

Below are the key compliance requirements for HUID hallmarking:

• Mandatory for all gold jewellery: All ornaments made between 14K and 24K purity must carry a valid HUID code before being sold.
• Authorised centres only: Only BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centres can issue and engrave the gold jewellery HUID on gold items.
• Strict penalties for non-compliance: Jewellers who sell gold without HUID hallmarking can face heavy fines, licence suspension, or even imprisonment under BIS regulations.
• Limited exemptions: HUID hallmarking exemptions exist only for specific product categories which include exported jewellery and handcrafted items produced by local artisans.

These legal provisions uphold the hallmarking meaning of trust and authenticity, making the gold market safer and more transparent for both jewellers and consumers.

How to Identify and Verify HUID Hallmark on Gold

Verifying a gold jewellery HUID is quick and simple. Follow this process to identify what is HUID number and verify your jewellery before making a purchase:

1. Locate the HUID code: Find the six-character alphanumeric HUID engraved beside the BIS logo, purity mark (22K or 18K), and jeweller’s identification mark on your gold item.
2. Download the BIS CARE app: Available on Android and iOS, this official app helps consumers verify hallmarking authenticity.
3. Enter the HUID number: Open the verification section in the BIS CARE app and type in the HUID code exactly as engraved.
4. Check the details: The app displays information such as the jeweller’s name, the hallmarking centre, the item’s purity, and the date of hallmarking.
5. Verify before purchase: Always confirm the HUID before buying gold to avoid counterfeit or unverified jewellery.

Tip: Always buy hallmarked jewellery that carries a valid gold jewellery HUID to ensure long-term value and security, especially if you plan to use it for gold loans.

This simple verification process reinforces the true hallmarking meaning by ensuring transparency, authenticity, and confidence in every purchase.

Benefits of HUID Hallmarking

The gold jewellery HUID system implementation has delivered multiple advantages to both customers and the jewellery sector. 

The HUID hallmarking system provides the following essential advantages to users.

• Ensures purity and authenticity: Each item of gold carries a verified HUID, confirming that it has been tested and certified by a BIS-recognised centre.
• Prevents fraud and counterfeit sales: The unique HUID code ensures that every piece of jewellery can be tracked, eliminating duplicate hallmarking.
• Supports faster gold loan processing: Financial institutions can instantly verify purity through the BIS database, helping borrowers secure loans more efficiently.
• Increases resale and market value: Gold with a valid gold jewellery HUID earns greater trust from both buyers and lenders, making resale easier.
• Promotes transparency and global trust: By maintaining digital traceability, the system strengthens the hallmarking meaning of reliability, allowing Indian gold to be recognised internationally.

HUID and Its Impact on Gold Loan Eligibility

Banks and non-banking financial institutions now prefer jewellery with a current gold jewellery HUID when making gold loan decisions.

Financial institutions can confidently calculate value thanks to this digital verification, which improves loan-to-value ratios and speeds up processing times. Because the purity of their gold is certified and traceable, borrowers benefit from larger loan amounts and more favorable interest rates.

If you are planning to pledge gold for a loan, ensure that your ornaments carry a valid HUID code for smooth approval and better terms.

Differences Between HUID and Previous Hallmarking Systems

The gold jewellery HUID has replaced the older hallmarking process with a more advanced and transparent system. It has improved security, verification, and consumer confidence across India’s gold trade.

It reinforces the true hallmarking meaning by modernising verification and making India’s gold market more transparent and globally trusted.

The HUID system modernises hallmarking, making India’s gold market safer and globally trusted.

Conclusion

The HUID hallmarking system has brought a major shift in India’s gold industry by ensuring purity, transparency, and accountability

Whether you are buying or pledging jewellery, verifying the gold jewellery HUID is essential. It assures you that your purchase or pledge is secure, certified, and recognised by BIS standards.

Always confirm your HUID through the BIS CARE app to uphold the real hallmarking meaning of trust and authenticity in every gold transaction.