In exercise of the power conferred by sub section 3 of Section 14 read with sub section 2 and 3 of Section 15 and

## Report on the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Amendment Order, 2021 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Amendment Order, 2021, published in the Gazette of India on June 1, 2021. The amendment modifies the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Order, 2020, by changing the implementation date of a provision. The key finding is that the amendment delays the enforcement of a specific aspect of the 2020 order, likely to allow stakeholders more time to prepare for compliance. **2. Introduction:** This report provides a detailed overview of the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Amendment Order, 2021, based solely on the text published in the Gazette of India. The purpose is to inform stakeholders in the gold jewellery and artefacts industry about the specific changes introduced by this amendment and their potential impact. **3. Policy Overview:** * This document is an **amendment** to the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Order, 2020. * **Core Objective(s):** While the core objectives of the original 2020 order are not explicitly stated in this amendment text, it can be inferred from the title that the policy concerns the hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts. The amendment itself focuses on altering the implementation timeline of the original order. The overarching goal is likely to regulate and standardize gold hallmarking. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Amendment Rationale:** The amendment modifies the implementation date from June 1st to June 16th. The likely reason for this delay is to provide stakeholders involved in the hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts with additional time to prepare for and implement the requirements of the 2020 order. This could be due to unforeseen challenges or requests from the industry for an extension. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment specifically modifies "clause 1, in sub section 2" of the Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Order, 2020. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment substitutes "1st day of June" with "16th day of June". * **Difference/Effect of Change:** This change effectively delays the enforcement of the specific provision detailed in clause 1, subsection 2 of the 2020 order by 15 days, pushing the implementation date to June 16th, 2021. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text and the title of the original order, the primary target audience and stakeholders affected by this amendment are: * Gold jewellers and manufacturers. * Assaying and Hallmarking Centers. * Consumers purchasing gold jewellery and artefacts. * The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Department of Consumer Affairs) is the responsible agency. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is also heavily involved, as the Central Government consulted with them before issuing the amendment. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, which is June 1, 2021. The key timeline change is the altered implementation date within the original order. * **Implementation Aspects related to the Change:** The affected parties (jewellers, manufacturers, assaying centers) now have an additional 15 days to comply with clause 1, subsection 2 of the 2020 order. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Likely Intended Outcome of the Change:** The likely intended outcome of this 15-day delay is to facilitate a smoother transition and implementation of the hallmarking regulations. This may involve allowing businesses to adjust their processes, obtain necessary certifications, or address any logistical challenges. * **Potential Impact of the Amendment:** The delay could minimize disruption to the gold jewellery market during the initial implementation phase and potentially lead to higher compliance rates by allowing stakeholders additional preparation time. **9. Conclusion:** The Hallmarking of Gold Jewellery and Gold Artefacts Amendment Order, 2021, represents a minor but potentially significant adjustment to the implementation timeline of the original 2020 order. By delaying the enforcement date specified in clause 1, subsection 2, the amendment aims to provide stakeholders with additional time to prepare for the new hallmarking regulations. This demonstrates a responsive approach by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to the needs of the industry, ultimately seeking to ensure a successful and effective implementation of the gold hallmarking policy.

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