In a recent development, teams from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) carried out surprise raids at Mehrasons Jewellers and Manuvel Malabar Jewellers located in South Extension, Delhi. The objective of these raids was to ensure compliance with the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Order, 2020, which mandates the standardization and hallmarking of all gold artifacts sold in India.
During the search and seizure operations at the aforementioned jewelry stores, it was discovered that they were in violation of the Hallmarking Order. BIS teams reported the seizure of non-hallmarked 916 fineness gold coins that were being sold by the jewellers.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is a regulatory body responsible for establishing national standards for various products, including quality and weight specifications. It is also entrusted with enforcing compliance with these standards through raids and imposing penalties on violators.
Established under the BIS Act of 2016, the BIS serves as India’s National Standard Body. Its primary role is to facilitate the smooth functioning of standardization, marking, and quality certification processes for goods. The recent raids on Mehrasons Jewellers and Manuvel Malabar Jewellers align with BIS’s mandate to ensure adherence to its standards and regulations.
BIS registration is valid for two years and can be renewed with minimal paperwork and fees. The renewal process does not necessarily require the testing of a new sample.
These raids have occurred in the wake of the government’s announcement of several measures to curb gold imports in India. By cracking down on violations of hallmarking regulations, the authorities aim to enhance consumer protection and maintain the integrity of gold trade in the country.
The BIS’s proactive approach in conducting these raids demonstrates its commitment to upholding standards and quality in the jewelry industry, safeguarding the interests of consumers and ensuring transparency in the gold market.