The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) expanded mandatory gold hallmarking to 380 districts with the rollout of Phase VI from March 2, 2026. Seven new districts were added: Rupnagar (Punjab), Banda (Uttar Pradesh), Beed (Maharashtra), Gomati (Tripura), Katihar (Bihar), Beawar (Rajasthan) and Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh). Over 60 crore gold items have been hallmarked with a unique Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number since July 2021. India has around 800 districts, meaning nearly half the country is now covered. Mandatory hallmarking has been implemented in phases since June 2021, starting with 256 districts in Phase I, to protect consumers and ensure purity of gold jewellery.
Gold Hallmarking Made Mandatory in 380 Districts After Phase VI Expansion; Beawar in Rajasthan Added
AQuick answer
BIS expanded mandatory gold hallmarking to 380 districts in Phase VI; Beawar (Rajasthan) among 7 new districts added.
Key facts
- BIS expanded mandatory gold hallmarking to 380 districts with Phase VI rollout from March 2, 2026
- Seven new districts added: Rupnagar (Punjab), Banda (UP), Beed (Maharashtra), Gomati (Tripura), Katihar (Bihar), Beawar (Rajasthan), and Neemuch (MP)
- Over 60 crore gold items hallmarked with unique HUID numbers since July 2021
- India has around 800 districts, meaning nearly half the country is now covered
- Mandatory hallmarking started with 256 districts in Phase I since June 2021
Mains angle
Q: Assess the consumer-protection significance of the BIS Phase VI mandatory gold hallmarking expansion from 2 March 2026, including Beawar's inclusion. (22 words)
Answer (50 words):
BIS extended mandatory gold hallmarking to 380 districts under Phase VI from 2 March 2026, adding seven districts including Beawar in Rajasthan, Rupnagar, Banda, Beed, Gomati, Katihar and Neemuch. Over 60 crore items have carried the Hallmark Unique Identification since July 2021, covering nearly half of India's 800 districts, enhancing purity assurance.
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Linked questionMedium
How many gold items have been hallmarked with HUID since July 2021 according to the Phase VI announcement?
Explanation · Correct answer B
Over 60 crore gold items have been hallmarked with a unique Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number between July 1, 2021 and March 5, 2026. Phase VI added Rupnagar, Banda, Beed, Gomati, Katihar, Beawar, and Neemuch districts.
Source: ANI News
Frequently asked questions
How many districts have mandatory gold hallmarking in India after Phase VI in March 2026?
After **Phase VI** from **March 2, 2026**, mandatory gold hallmarking covers **380 districts**. Seven new districts were added: Rupnagar (Punjab), Banda (UP), Beed (Maharashtra), Gomati (Tripura), Katihar (Bihar), **Beawar (Rajasthan)**, and Neemuch (MP).
Which 7 new districts were added in Phase VI of mandatory gold hallmarking in 2026?
Phase VI (**March 2, 2026**) added: **Rupnagar** (Punjab), **Banda** (UP), **Beed** (Maharashtra), **Gomati** (Tripura), **Katihar** (Bihar), **Beawar** (Rajasthan), **Neemuch** (MP). Total coverage reached **380 districts**.
What is HUID in India's mandatory gold hallmarking scheme?
**HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification)** is a unique number assigned to each hallmarked gold jewellery piece by the **Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)**. Over **60 crore gold items** have been hallmarked with HUID since mandatory hallmarking began in **July 2021**.
When did mandatory gold hallmarking start in India and in how many phases?
Mandatory gold hallmarking started in **June 2021** with **256 districts in Phase I**. By **Phase VI (March 2, 2026)**, it expanded to **380 districts** out of India's ~800, with over **60 crore** items hallmarked.
What is the role of BIS in implementing mandatory gold hallmarking in India?
**Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)** oversees mandatory gold hallmarking and assigns **HUID** numbers ensuring gold purity and consumer protection. Since June 2021 it has expanded in phases; **380 districts** are covered as of March 2026 with over **60 crore** items hallmarked.
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