BIS Hallmarking Explained — How to Buy Certified Silver in India

When buying silver in India, three letters matter more than anything else: BIS. The Bureau of Indian Standards hallmark is your guarantee that the silver you are purchasing is exactly what it claims to be — in terms of purity, weight, and quality. Yet many buyers remain unsure of what to look for, or how to verify a hallmark. This guide demystifies it all.

What Is BIS Hallmarking?

BIS hallmarking is a certification scheme run by the Bureau of Indian Standards, a statutory body under the Government of India. It certifies the purity of precious metals — gold, silver, and platinum — sold in India. For silver, hallmarking became mandatory for certain categories of articles in 2022, bringing India in line with global standards.

A BIS hallmark on a silver product means it has been independently tested and certified at a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC). The jeweller or manufacturer cannot self-certify — the process requires third-party verification.

How to Read a BIS Hallmark on Silver

A BIS hallmark on silver consists of three components:

• BIS Logo: The triangular BIS mark, confirming the product has been certified.
• Purity / Fineness Grade: Expressed as a three-digit number indicating parts per thousand. Common silver grades include:
  • 999 — 99.9% pure silver (fine silver)
  • 970 — 97.0% pure silver
  • 925 — 92.5% pure silver (sterling silver)
  • 900 — 90.0% pure silver
  • 835 — 83.5% pure silver
• HUID (Hallmark Unique ID): A six-character alphanumeric code unique to each piece, traceable on the BIS Care app.

How to Verify a BIS Hallmark

India's BIS Care app (available on Android and iOS) allows you to verify any hallmarked silver item by entering its HUID. This instantly confirms the item's registered purity, the hallmarking centre that certified it, and the jeweller or manufacturer it was registered to. It takes under 30 seconds and is the most reliable way to authenticate your purchase.

Why Hallmarking Matters for Silver Coins and Bars

For investment-grade silver — coins and bars — hallmarking is especially critical. Unlike jewellery, where design and craftsmanship add value, coins and bars are valued almost entirely by their silver content. A coin marked 999 should contain 99.9% pure silver. Without a BIS hallmark, you have no independent verification of this claim.

At Amara, every silver coin and bar in our collection carries BIS hallmarking. Our MMTC PAMP Silver Coins are minted to internationally recognised standards and come with tamper-evident packaging that preserves both the coin and its certification.

BIS Hallmarking vs. Assay Certification

Some imported silver products carry assay certifications from international bodies (such as the London Bullion Market Association, or LBMA). While these are globally respected, BIS hallmarking remains the standard for silver sold within India and is the mark most easily verifiable by Indian consumers.

Tips for Buying Certified Silver

• Always ask for the HUID and verify it on the BIS Care app before purchase.
• Buy from authorised BIS-licensed jewellers or reputed platforms.
• Prefer tamper-evident packaging for coins and bars — it preserves the hallmark and the product's condition.
• Keep your purchase invoice; it is your proof of purchase and purity.

Shop BIS-Hallmarked Silver at Amara

Every piece in our silver collection — from investment coins to gifting sets — is BIS hallmarked and sourced from trusted, certified mints. Shop with confidence, knowing exactly what you are getting.