‘Mandatory Hallmarking’ to be implemented in the metros from January 1 2008, was the key concern for the Indian trade industry which led to the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), the National Body of the Jewellery Trade in the country, to call on all jewellers to discuss the same. A meeting was held on 20 December 2007. The discussion centered on key issues in the BIS Hallmarking Act and the RTI (right to information) Act, in order to access the final draft of the Act.%%The trade has expressed dismay over the government’s mandate of hallmarking all jewellery effective Jan 1, 2008. The industry felt the government was being insensitive to ground realties in these issues. Mr. Ashok Minawala, Chairman, GJF, said that key issues in the BIS Hallmarking Act that need to be addressed like the Licensing, cancellation of license and Prosecution, Insufficient Infrastructure in terms of Hallmarking centres and the ‘Onus’ aspect of who is to be blamed in the event of a low quality jewellery piece.%%The Trade now demands the following:[ Provide a copy of the amended BIS Hallmarking act][Sufficient time to bring about the awareness in the industry about Hallmarking and the act][Removal of compulsory licensing][Create adequate infrastructure for hallmarking and create more hallmarking centers across the country][Create reasonable and practical penal provisions ][Clearly state items exempted from Hallmarking][Shift the onus on hallmarking from jeweller to the Hallmarking centers]%%The GJF argues that Hallmarking should not be enforced under legislation unless adequate infrastructure facilities are made available by the Central government.$$The GJF stresses that it welcomes standards in business as it has introduced Trust Mark with overwhelming response, where jewellery stores will be certified based on following set standards including Hallmarking. While the industry supports Hallmarking, it is solely against the unjustified provisions of the BIS Hallmarking Act.