BIS / Hallmarking

Assaying & Hallmarking Centre

Recognition of Purity Testing Hubs

Recognition for private or public centres to test and hallmark jewellery on behalf of BIS.

Experts available now

At a Glance

AuthorityBureau of Indian Standards
Timeline8–16 Weeks
AccreditationNABL Required
Mandatory?Yes — for AHC Operations
InfrastructureMandatory Setup
ComplexityHigh
50+ AHCs Supported
95% Recognition Rate
10+ Years Experience
Pan India Coverage
Service Overview

What is Assaying & Hallmarking Centre?

An Assaying & Hallmarking Centre (AHC) is a BIS-recognised facility authorised to test the purity of precious metal articles and apply the official BIS hallmark. AHCs form the backbone of India's hallmarking ecosystem, enabling jewellers across the country to get their articles certified.

Setting up a recognised AHC requires NABL accreditation, a significant laboratory infrastructure investment, and a rigorous BIS recognition audit. Eminence Global assists entrepreneurs and existing labs in navigating every step of this process.

Why this certification matters

  • Only BIS-recognised AHCs can legally hallmark jewellery in India
  • High-demand service given mandatory hallmarking rollout
  • Recurring revenue from jeweller fees and government contracts
  • NABL accreditation opens doors to broader testing services
  • Strategic positioning in a growing precious metals market

Applicable Industries

Private Assaying LabsGovernment Testing CentresJewellery Trade AssociationsPrecious Metal RefinersUniversity & Research Labs

Certification Details

Applicable LawBIS Act, 2016 & Hallmarking Rules
Issuing BodyBureau of Indian Standards
Pre-requisiteNABL Accreditation
Typical Timeline8–16 Weeks
Infrastructure AuditRequired
Testing MethodsXRF & Fire Assay
RenewalAnnual
ComplexityHigh

Our Track Record

50+

AHCs Supported

95%

Recognition Rate

10+

Years Experience

Pan India

Coverage

How It Works

Our Step-by-Step Process

A structured, transparent journey from your first enquiry to receiving your BIS / Hallmarking approval.

01
🏗️

Infrastructure Planning & Setup

We advise on lab layout, equipment requirements (XRF machine, fire assay setup), and staffing to meet BIS and NABL standards.

02
📋

NABL Accreditation

NABL accreditation is a prerequisite for BIS AHC recognition. We guide you through the NABL application, documentation, and assessment process.

03
📄

BIS AHC Recognition Application

After NABL accreditation, we prepare and file the formal BIS recognition application with all supporting documents.

04
🔬

BIS Recognition Audit

BIS auditors inspect your laboratory facilities, equipment calibration records, and quality management systems. We prepare your team thoroughly.

05

AHC Recognition Grant

BIS issues your AHC recognition certificate. You are now authorised to test and hallmark jewellery submitted by licensed jewellers.

06
🔄

Annual Renewal & Surveillance

We manage your annual BIS renewal and NABL surveillance assessments to ensure continued recognition.

Why It Matters

Key Benefits of Assaying & Hallmarking Centre

More than a legal requirement — it's your commercial passport to the Indian market.

💼

High-Demand Business

With mandatory hallmarking expanding across India, demand for AHC services is growing rapidly.

🏛️

Government & Trade Contracts

Recognised AHCs are empanelled for government jewellery testing contracts and trade body partnerships.

🔬

Broader Lab Services

NABL accreditation obtained for AHC recognition can be extended to offer broader precious metals testing services.

📈

Recurring Revenue

Per-article hallmarking fees from jewellers provide stable, recurring revenue streams.

🛡️

Regulatory Standing

BIS recognition establishes your centre as an authoritative quality institution in the precious metals sector.

🌏

National Network Access

Recognised AHCs are listed on the BIS portal, giving you visibility to jewellers across India.

Preparation Checklist

Documents Required

Gather these before your application. Our team will review and complete any gaps.

Organisation & Infrastructure Documents

Certificate of Incorporation / Partnership Deed
NABL Accreditation Certificate
Lab Layout Plan & Equipment List
XRF & Fire Assay Equipment Calibration Records
Quality Manual & Standard Operating Procedures

Personnel & Compliance Documents

Qualified Assayer Credentials
Staff Training Records
Safety & Environmental Compliance Certificates
Previous Test Reports (if applicable)

Note: Infrastructure and documentation requirements are detailed and specific. Our consultants conduct a full readiness assessment before application filing.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find what you're looking for? Our experts are happy to answer.

Ask Our Experts

Yes — NABL accreditation for precious metal testing is a prerequisite for BIS AHC recognition. We assist with both NABL and BIS processes.

Minimum requirements include an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser and fire assay setup, along with calibrated reference standards and a documented quality management system.

Typically 8–16 weeks after NABL accreditation. The NABL process itself may take an additional 3–6 months if not already in place.

Yes — existing NABL-accredited labs with precious metal testing scope can apply for BIS AHC recognition with relatively fewer infrastructure additions.

There is no fixed limit. Capacity depends on your equipment throughput and staffing. BIS may assign a geographic jurisdiction during recognition.

Start Today

Set Up Your Assaying & Hallmarking Centre

Speak with our AHC specialists. We'll assess your infrastructure, guide NABL accreditation, and manage the BIS recognition process end-to-end.

Schedule Free Consultation

No commitment required · Free initial assessment

Free Initial Consultation
500+ Certifications Completed
North-East Delhi, India