Gold Hallmark Types in India: BIS, HUID, KDM & Older Marks Explained
A gold hallmark is an official mark stamped on gold jewellery confirming its purity has been tested and certified. In India, hallmarks are governed by the Bureau of Indian Stand…
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Gold Hallmark Types in India: BIS, HUID, KDM & Older Marks Explained
A gold hallmark is an official mark stamped on gold jewellery confirming its purity has been tested and certified. In India, hallmarks are governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). Understanding the different hallmark types helps you know what you have before selling.
This guide covers every hallmark type found on Indian gold jewellery and what each means for resale.
At a Glance
Current standard (2021–) | BIS 6-symbol mark with HUID |
|---|---|
Old BIS mark (pre-2021) | BIS mark without HUID |
KDM mark | Old mark for 916 solder-joined jewellery |
Fineness code | 999/916/750/585 – purity in parts per thousand |
How to verify | BIS Care app (free, Android/iOS) |
XRF at Attica Gold | Confirms purity regardless of hallmark |
Last Updated | May 2026 |
The 6 Official BIS Hallmark Symbols (Current Standard)
Symbol | What It Means |
|---|---|
BIS Logo (triangle with letters) | Confirms BIS certification |
Fineness/Purity Mark | 999=24K, 916=22K, 750=18K, 585=14K, 375=9K |
Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (AHC) ID | Code of the testing lab |
Jeweller’s ID Mark | Registered jeweller who made/sold the piece |
Year of Hallmarking (letter code) | Year the piece was certified |
HUID (6-digit alphanumeric) | Unique ID for that specific piece (post-June 2021) |
What Is a HUID?
HUID (Hallmark Unique ID) is a 6-digit alphanumeric code mandated since June 2021. Each piece of gold jewellery sold in India must now have a unique HUID registered in the BIS database. You can verify any HUID using the free BIS Care mobile app.
What Is the KDM Hallmark?
KDM stands for cadmium – an older soldering material used in Indian goldsmithing. A KDM hallmark on jewellery indicates it was made using a cadmium-based solder, typically in the 22K (916) class. KDM marking is now banned in India (cadmium is toxic), but older jewellery with KDM marks still exists and can be sold freely at the standard gold rate.
Older BIS Hallmarks (Pre-2021, Without HUID)
Before June 2021, BIS marks did not include HUID. These pieces carry: BIS logo, fineness mark (916/750/999), AHC code, jeweller code and year code. They cannot be verified on the BIS Care app but are still fully valid and accepted by all gold buyers including Attica Gold.
What If My Gold Has No Hallmark?
A missing hallmark does not mean the gold is fake. Much jewellery predating BIS hallmarking (pre-2000 approximately) was never hallmarked. XRF testing at a gold buyer like Attica Gold confirms exact purity for any piece, hallmarked or not.
Does Hallmark Type Affect Resale Price?
No. Whether your gold has a HUID, an old BIS mark, a KDM mark or no mark at all, you receive the same per-gram IBJA rate for the tested purity. Attica Gold always runs independent XRF testing regardless of hallmark status.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of gold hallmarks in India?
Current: 6-symbol BIS mark with HUID. Old: BIS mark without HUID. KDM: older cadmium-solder mark. Older pieces: international fineness marks only.
What does 916 mean on gold?
916 is the BIS fineness code for 22-karat gold – it contains 916 parts gold per 1,000 (91.6% pure gold).
What is the difference between a BIS hallmark and a HUID?
BIS hallmark is the full certification system. HUID (Hallmark Unique ID) is the 6-digit code added since June 2021 to make each piece uniquely traceable.
Is KDM gold safe to sell?
Yes. KDM-marked gold is accepted by all reputable gold buyers. The KDM mark indicates an older soldering method, not a purity issue.
Does my gold need a hallmark to be sold?
No. Attica Gold buys hallmarked and unhallmarked gold. XRF testing determines purity regardless.
How do I verify a HUID hallmark?
Use the free BIS Care app (Android/iOS). Enter the 6-digit HUID code to verify purity and certification details.
Does having a HUID get me a better price?
No. The price is based on XRF-tested purity, not the hallmark type.
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