Shillong, Aug 7: A search and seizure operation was conducted by the officials of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Guwahati Branch Office, today at the premises of Paul Hallmarking Centre, situated at Agia, Goalpara.
The operation was carried out in response to several complaints regarding alleged violations of the BIS Act 2016.
During the investigation, it was ascertained that the establishment was functioning as an unauthorised assaying and hallmarking centre (AHC) and was engaged in illegal hallmarking activities. The firm was found to be using a laser marking machine and PVC card printer for fake hallmarking activities. The laser marking machine, PVC card printer, CCTV footage records along with 27 PVC cards with spurious BIS logo and 15.180 grams of jewellery items with fake hallmarking were seized during the raid.
Gold jewellery products are covered under the mandatory hallmarking order notified by the central government. Action is being initiated against the offenders for violation of Section 14(6) of the BIS Act 2016. The offence is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 1 year, or with a fine which shall not be less than Rs 1 lakh but may extend up to five times the value of the goods or articles produced, sold, offered for sale, or affixed or applied with a standard mark including hallmark, or with both, as provided under the BIS Act.
The BIS has been conducting raids whenever information regarding misuse is received and verified, with the objective of protecting consumers from such deception and the possible safety hazards that may result from the use of such materials.
The BIS also appealed to all citizens to report any instance where mandatory products are being sold without BIS certification or where misuse of the ISI Mark on any product is noticed. Such information may be provided to: The Head, Guwahati Branch Office, 2nd Floor, West End Building Block, Housefed Complex, Dispur, Guwahati, Assam 781006.
Complaints may also be lodged through e-mail at ghbo@bis.gov.in. The source of such information will be kept confidential.
