Kanpur. A suspected fake hallmarking racket has raised concerns among customers and legitimate jewellery traders in Kanpur ahead of the festive season, particularly Dhanteras and Diwali. Information received by the police from major jewellery markets suggests that around 25 to 30 machines in the city may be used to print counterfeit hallmarks on jewellery. These machines are primarily designed to create patterns and designs according to customers’ preferences, but some small-scale jewellers are allegedly misusing them to imitate official hallmark markings.
The suspected racket came to light on Saturday when a woman named Suman was caught by the police while allegedly attempting to sell a gold chain on Birhana Road. During the investigation, the chain was reportedly found to carry an 18-carat hallmark despite containing only around 10 per cent gold. The incident has since brought the activities of jewellery traders under increased police scrutiny.
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Design Machines Allegedly Being Misused for Fake Hallmarking
According to information provided to the police by established jewellers in the Chowk and Birhana Road markets, the misuse of laser engraving machines tends to increase during the wedding season and major festivals, especially Dhanteras and Diwali.
A prominent jeweller explained that these machines are legal and are ordinarily used to engrave designs on jewellery. However, their computerised operation makes it possible for some traders to misuse them to reproduce hallmark symbols and purity markings without following the authorised hallmarking process.
Police sources indicate that such machines may be found not only with selected jewellery traders but also in markets across Nayaganj, Kidwai Nagar, Govind Nagar, Kalyanpur, Lal Bangla and Dabauli.
The police are preparing to take action against traders suspected of using these machines illegally. Investigators are also expected to seek assistance from established jewellers to identify those involved in the alleged malpractice.
“Some small traders are misusing design machines for hallmarking. Teams have been deployed to identify such individuals and the machines being used. Assistance will also be sought from some major traders to catch those involved in these activities,” said Amit Kumar Pandey, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kotwali.
How Fake Hallmarking Can Mislead Buyers
Counterfeit hallmarking can involve the use of small laser engraving machines to print imitated Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) logos and purity markings, such as 916 for 22-carat gold, on jewellery made from cheaper metals or alloys.
In some cases, the main portion of a chain or ornament may contain inexpensive metal, while its hook or clasp is made of genuine gold and carries a legitimate hallmark. This can make the item appear authentic during a superficial inspection.
Another alleged method involves copying the design of genuine hallmarked jewellery and using it to manufacture similar ornaments with lower gold content. Such pieces may then be marked with counterfeit purity symbols to deceive buyers.
These practices can make it difficult for customers to judge purity by appearance alone. A hallmark engraved on jewellery should therefore not be treated as sufficient proof of authenticity unless its details are verified through the official system.
BIS Care App Adds Jewellery Photographs for Verification
To strengthen safeguards against fake hallmarking, the Bureau of Indian Standards has expanded the verification process available through the BIS Care app. Photographs of jewellery are also being uploaded alongside its Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number.
The additional visual information is intended to help identify cases in which different ornaments are presented using the same HUID number. Comparing the photograph with the actual jewellery could make it easier to detect discrepancies and reduce the risk of customers being misled.
According to Pankaj Arora, national president of the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation and a BIS member, some jewellers allegedly tamper with laser machines to display different ornaments against a single identification number. Making jewellery photographs available through the app could help identify such cases more effectively.
The city reportedly has eight BIS centres in the Birhana Road, Chowk and Nayaganj markets. However, only around 1,000 jewellery traders in Kanpur are said to hold BIS licences, despite the city having a substantial jewellery trade.
Thousands of Jewellery Outlets Across the City
Kanpur is a major market for gold and silver jewellery, with Birhana Road, Nayaganj and Chowk serving as important wholesale trading centres. More than 2,000 showrooms and jewellery shops reportedly operate across different parts of the city.
The central government made hallmarking mandatory for gold jewellery in June 2021, requiring jewellers covered by the rules to obtain BIS registration or a licence, as applicable. Hallmarked jewellery carries prescribed identification and purity details, including the HUID, the relevant jeweller identification and the gold’s caratage.
With the festive shopping season approaching, customers are being advised to verify these details before purchasing gold ornaments.
How Customers Can Check Gold Purity
Buyers can use the BIS Care app to verify the HUID printed on hallmarked jewellery.
They should first locate and note the six-character alphanumeric HUID engraved on the ornament. They can then open the app, select the “Verify HUID” option and enter the code to check the available details about the jewellery, its declared purity and the associated registration.
Customers should also ensure that the information displayed corresponds to the ornament they intend to purchase. If the details do not match, or the identification cannot be verified, they should seek clarification from the seller before completing the transaction.
As police investigate the suspected misuse of engraving machines, verification through the official system remains an important precaution for buyers. The investigation will determine the extent of the alleged racket and whether additional traders or machines are involved.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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