**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1407, answered on July 29, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry addressed concerns regarding fake gem and jewellery testing laboratories in India. The Ministry stated that no instances of such fraudulent labs have been brought to its attention.
The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), an autonomous body under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is identified as the accreditation body for gem and jewellery testing laboratories. However, NABL is not a regulatory authority, and accreditation is voluntary. The accreditation process includes application review, technical competency assessment, and pre-assessment. Applicants are given the opportunity to address any nonconformities before a decision is made regarding accreditation.
As of July 22, 2025, there are three NABL-accredited gem testing laboratories in India. Two are located in Mumbai, and one is in New Delhi. No NABL-accredited gem testing laboratories are located in Kerala.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Commerce and Industry: The Indian government ministry responsible for international trade and industry.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
SHRI M K RAGHAVAN: Member of Parliament who raised the question about fake gem and jewellery testing labs.
SHRI JITIN PRASADA: Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry who provided the answer.
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories: An autonomous body under DPIIT responsible for accrediting testing laboratories, including gem and jewellery labs, in India.
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade: A department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
Kerala: A state in India, specifically mentioned in the context of authorised gem and jewellery testing laboratories.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: City in Maharashtra, India, where two NABL accredited Gem testing laboratories are located.
New Delhi, Delhi: City in Delhi, India, where one NABL accredited Gem testing laboratory is located.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1407
ANSWERED ON 29.07.2025
FAKE GEM AND JEWELLERY TESTING LABS
1407. SHRI M K RAGHAVAN
Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्री) be
pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Government is aware of the increasing number of fake gem and
jewellery testing laboratories operating in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, including the number of such labs identified and action
taken during the last five years, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether there is a regulatory authority responsible for accrediting gem testing
laboratories in India;
(d) if so, the details of the accreditation process and whether the Government is
taking steps to strengthen it to prevent fraudulent labs from operating;
(e) whether the Government has data regarding the authorised gem and jewellery
testing laboratories operating in the country; and
(f) if so, the details thereof in respect of Kerala, including both public and private
sector laboratories?
ANSWER
वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री णिणिन प्रसाद)
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI JITIN PRASADA)
(a) and (b) No incidence of fake gems and jewellery testing laboratories operating in
the country has been brought to the notice of this Ministry.
(c) and (d) National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
(NABL), an autonomous body under Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT) under this Ministry, is an accreditation body, and not a regulatory
authority, with the mandate to provide accreditation to testing laboratories in the
country that includes Gems and Jewellery Laboratories. NABL accreditation is
voluntary in nature.
1The process for accreditation by NABL includes steps such as review of application
document, checking technical competency and pre-assessment. Non-conformity, if
any, is informed to the applicant and sufficient time is given for taking corrective
action. Based on outcomes, decision is made regarding the grant of accreditation.
(e) and (f) There are three NABL accredited Gem testing laboratories in the country
as on 22.07.2025, out of which two labs are located in Mumbai, and one in New Delhi.
*****
2