BIS Hallmarking Gold: How AHCs (Assaying and Hallmarking Centres) Work

Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) are the operational backbone of India's mandatory gold hallmarking scheme. Understanding how AHCs work helps jewellers navigate the hallmarking process efficiently.

What Is an AHC?

An Assaying and Hallmarking Centre (AHC) is a facility recognized by BIS to assess the purity of gold (and silver) and apply the BIS hallmark. AHCs are the only entities authorized to generate HUIDs and apply the BIS hallmark to gold jewellery in India.

AHC Recognition by BIS

AHCs must be recognized by BIS — this is a mandatory pre-condition for operating. BIS recognition involves:

• Application to BIS with facility details and equipment list
• BIS inspection of the AHC facility
• Verification of testing equipment: X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer, fire assay facilities, and touchstone testing capability
• Qualified assayer (technical staff) present
• NABL accreditation for the assaying laboratory preferred (increasingly mandatory)

How the Hallmarking Process Works

1. Jeweller submits jewellery: A registered jeweller brings jewellery to the AHC for hallmarking
2. Purity assessment: AHC assays each piece to determine actual gold purity (karat)
3. HUID generation: AHC generates a unique HUID for each piece through the BIS portal
4. Hallmark application: The BIS hallmark (triangle logo + purity + AHC mark + HUID) is engraved on the piece — typically by laser engraving for HUID
5. Return to jeweller: Hallmarked pieces returned for sale

AHC Charges

AHCs charge jewellers for hallmarking services. Charges are typically per piece — currently around Rs 35-45 per piece for standard hallmarking. These charges are passed on by jewellers in the price of jewellery.

Number of AHCs in India

India has over 1,000 BIS-recognized AHCs across the country. However, their geographic distribution is uneven — major jewellery markets (Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Jaipur, Coimbatore) have multiple AHCs while rural areas may have none nearby. The BIS GIS module will map AHC coverage gaps to guide expansion.

For Jewellers

All jewellers selling hallmarked gold must register with BIS and use only BIS-recognized AHCs. Jewellers cannot self-hallmark. The registered jeweller's licence number is linked to every piece hallmarked — creating full traceability.