A HUID gold hallmark is a six character code on hallmarked jewellery that lets you look up the piece’s details. The code is checked through the Bureau of Indian Standards app, BIS Care. So before you pay for gold, you can confirm what the jeweller says about purity.
Quick answer
- HUID stands for Hallmark Unique Identification, a six digit alphanumeric code.
- A hallmark has three parts: the BIS logo, the purity and fineness mark, and the HUID.
- Check it on the BIS Care app by entering the HUID.
- The app shows the jeweller, the assessing centre, the item, the date and the purity.
What a hallmark shows
According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, as cited in a Millennium Post report, a hallmark has three components. These are the BIS logo, the purity and fineness symbol, and the HUID.
Each part does a job. The logo shows the piece went through BIS hallmarking. The purity mark states the fineness. Then the HUID gives that one item a unique identity, so it can be traced.
Why the HUID check exists
The BIS Care app was built after complaints about substandard gold. The report mentions cases where 18 carat jewellery was sold as 22 carat. In short, a printed mark alone was not always enough, so a code that you can verify yourself adds a second check.
How to check a HUID gold hallmark
You do not need to be an expert. Follow these steps in the shop.
- Look for the three marks on the piece, using the jeweller’s magnifier if the print is tiny.
- Read the six digit HUID. It mixes letters and numbers.
- Install the BIS Care app. The report notes it was available on the Play Store for Android phones.
- Enter the HUID and read the details that come back.
The app returns the jeweller who hallmarked the item and the jeweller’s registration number. It also shows the name, number and location of the assessing centre, and details of the item. Finally, it shows the hallmarking date and the purity of the gold.
Make the check part of the purchase
The best time to verify is before the bill is paid. So ask the jeweller to wait while you enter the code. A genuine seller should not mind, because the check protects both sides.
Also, check each piece separately. A set of bangles or a necklace with a pendant may carry more than one HUID. Then note each code on the bill, so the record is complete.
What to compare against your bill
Match the app result with the invoice. The purity on the app should agree with what the jeweller wrote on the bill. Also check that the item description makes sense for what you are holding. However, if a detail does not match, ask the jeweller to explain before you pay.
For example, if the bill says 22 carat and the app shows a lower figure, pause the sale. Then keep the bill and a photo of the marks, because they help if you need to raise a complaint later.
Common mistakes
First, buying a piece with a worn or missing mark and trusting the shop’s word. Second, forgetting to keep the bill. Third, checking only the logo and skipping the code. Meanwhile, remember that small items may be hard to read, so ask for a lens.
If you buy silver too, read our note on silver hallmarks. For other products, our guide to the BIS Care app and ISI marks shows how the same app helps.
This is general information about shopping, not investment advice.
FAQ
What is a HUID in gold jewellery?
HUID is the Hallmark Unique Identification number. It is a six digit alphanumeric code that identifies one hallmarked piece.
How do I verify a HUID?
Install the BIS Care app and enter the HUID. The app shows the jeweller, assessing centre, item details, hallmarking date and purity.
What are the three parts of a gold hallmark?
They are the BIS logo, the purity and fineness symbol, and the HUID, according to the Department of Consumer Affairs.