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Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority, and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.

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“Step Out From the Old to the New”

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“The Right to Information, The Right to Live”

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“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”

“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

है”ह”ह

IS 15820 (2009): General requirement for competence ofassaying and hallmarking centres [MTD 10: Precious Metals]

IS 15820 : 2009

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~~~~

Indian Standard

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETENCE OFASSAYING AND HALLMARKING CENTRES

res 03.120.20;39.060

© BIS 2009

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDSMANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAfAR MARG

NEW DELHI 110002

January 2009 Price Group 7

Precious Metals Sectional Committee, MTD 10

.,

FOREWORD

This Indian Standard was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized by the PreciousMetals Sectional Committee had been approved by the Metallurgical Engineering Division Council.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has laid down Indian Standards for precious metals (gold, silver, platinum andtheir alloys) . Indian Standards for assaying of these metals 'are being aligned with International Standards.Certification of purity ofprecious metals like gold and silver jewellery/artefacts is being carried out in accordancewith IS 1417 : 1999 'Gold and gold alloys, jewellery/artefacts - Fineness and marking - Specification (thirdrevision)' and IS 2112: 2003 'Silver and silver alloys,jewellery/artefacts - Fineness and marking - Specification(second revision)'. BIS certified jewellers/manufacturers are eligible to submit finished/unfinished jewellery/artefacts to any of the BIS recognized assaying and hallmarking centres for hallmarking purposes.

This standard is based on the requirements laid down in ISIISOIIEC 17025 : 2005 'General requirements for thecompetence of testing and calibration laboratories (first revision)' and the convention on the control and markingof articles of precious metals .

A list of equipment for gold and silver assaying is given in Annex A and Annex B for guidance only.

This standard would be the basis for recognition of assaying and hallmarking centres and for development oftheir quality, administrative and technical system.

For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with, the final value,observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with IS 2 :1960 'Rules for rounding off numerical values (revised)' . The number of significant places retained in the roundedoff value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.

IS 15820 : 2009

Indian Standard

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETENCE OFASSAYING AND HALLMARKING CENTRES

1 SCOPE

Thi s standard covers general requirements forcompetence of assaying and hallmarking centres.

2 REFERENCES

for assaying and hallmarking of precious metal articles.Henceforth assaying and hallmarking centre will bereference as centre only.

4 MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

The standards listed below contain provis ions whichthrough reference in this text, constitute provisions ofthis standard. At the time of publi cat ion, the edition sindicated were valid. All standards are subject torevision and parties to agreement based on this standardare encouraged to investigate the possibility of applyingthe most recent ed itions of the standards indicatedbelow:

1417 : 1999 Gold and gold alloys. jewellery/artefact s - Fineness and rnarkin-; ­Specification (third revision)

1418 : 1999 Assaying of gold in gold bullion, goldalloys and jewellery/artefacts ­Cupellation (Fire Assay) method(second revision)

2112: 2003 Silver and silver alloys , jewellery/artefacts - Fineness and marking ­Specification (second revision)

2113 : 2002 Assaying of silver in silver and silveralloys - Methods (first revision)

3 TERMINOLOGY

For the purpose of this standard the followingdefinitions shall apply.

3.1 Hallmarking - The accurate determination andofficial recording of the proportionate content ofprecious metal in precious metal articles.

3.2 Fineness - The content of the named preciousmetal(s) measured in terms of parts per thousand bymass of alloy that is the ratio between the mass ofprecious metal content and the total mass expres sed inparts per thousand (%0).

3.3 Assaying - The method of accurate determinationof the precious metal content of the sample expressedin parts per thousand.

3.4 Assaying and Hallmarking Centre - Anorganization recognized by Bureau ofIndian Standards

IS No. Title

4.1 Organization

4.1.1 The organization (Assaying and HallmarkingCentre) shall have legal identity and independent status.The promoters of the organization shall not have anylinkage with jewellery.

4.1.2 The centre shall carry out assaying andhallmarking activities in such a way as to meet therequ irements of this standard and to satisfy the needso .he customer, the regulatory authorities and/ororganization providing recognition.

4.1.3 The management system shall cover work carriedout in the centre's permanent facilities and at sites awayfrom its permanent faciliti es (offsite facilities).

4.1.4 The centre shall define the organization andmanagement structure, its place in any parentorganization, and the relationships between qualitymanagement, technical operations and supportservices.

4.1.5 If the centre is part of an organization performingactivities other than assaying and hallmarking, theresponsibilities of key personnel in the organizationthat have an involvement or influence on the assayingand hallmarking shall be defined in order to identifypotential conflicts of interest.

4.1.6 The centre shall have complete facilities forassaying and hallmarking of gold and gold jewellery/artefacts as perIS 1417 and IS 1418 and that for silverand silver jewellery/artefacts as per IS 2112 andIS 2113.

4.1.7 The responsib ility, authority and theinterrelationship ofall personnel, who manage, performor verify work affecting the quality of assaying andhallmarking shall be defined.

4.1.8 The centre shall have managerial staff with theauthority and resources needed to discharge theirduties .

4.1.9 The centre shall ensure that all staff are

IS 15820 : 2009

adequately qualified and experienced to perform theduties assigned to them with respect to their position .

4.1.10 The centre shall provide supervi sion by personsfamiliar with the test methods, procedures. objectivesand assessment of the results.

4.1.11 The center shall appoint an Assaying Incharge(or any other designation. for example TechnicalManager) who has overall rsespon sibility for thetechnical operations .

4.1.12 The centre shall appoint a member of staff asQuality Manager having defined authority andresponsibility for ensuring implementation andmaintenance of Quality Management System in thecentre. The Quality Manager shall have direct accessto the highest level of management at which decisionsare made on centre's policy and resources.

4.1.13 The centre shall appoint deputies of keymanagerial personnel.

4.1.14 The centre shall ensure the protection of itscustomer's confidential information and proprietaryrights. including procedure for protecting the electronictransmission of result s.

4.1.15 The centre shall avoid involvement in anyact ivities that would diminish confidence in itscompetence, impartiality, judgment or operationalintegrity.

4.1.16 The centre shall have arrangements to ensurethat its management and personnel are free from anyundue internal and external commercial, financial andother pressures and influences that may adversely affectthe quality of their work.

4.1.17 The centre shall ensure that its personnel areaware of the relevance and importance of theiractivities.

4.2 Management System

4.2.1 The centre shall establish, implement andmaintain a management system appropriate to assayingand hallmarking activities . The centre shall documentits policies, systems, programmes, procedures andinstructions to the extent necessary, to assure the qualityof assaying and hallmarking activitie s.

4.2.2 Top Management shall define and document theorganization policy, objectives and roles andresponsibilities of key personnel in the quality manual.The quality policy statement shall incl ude themanagement's commitment to good professionalpractice, to the quality of its testing in servicing itscustomers and the management's statement of thecentre's standard of service.

4.2.3 Top management shall ensure that the policy is

2

under stood , implemented and maint ained at all thelevels.

4.2.4 Top man agement sha ll provide evidence ofcomm itment to the development and implementationof the man agement sy stem and to continuallyimprov ing its effectivene ss.

4.2.5 Top man agement shall communicate to theorganizat ion the importance of meet ing customerrequirements as well as statu to ry and regulatoryrequirements.

4.2.6 The quality manual shall incl ude or makereference to the supporting procedures includingtechnical procedures. It shall outline the structure ofthe documentation used in the management system.

4.3 Document Control

4.3.1 The centre shall establi sh and maintainprocedures to control all documents (internallygenerated and from external source s) that form part ofits management system from receipt to delivery ofwork . These includes documents of external origin.such as regulations , s tandards, other normativedocuments, specifications. instructions and manuals.

4.3.2 Document Approval and Issue

4.3.2 .1 All documents issued to personnel in the centreas part of the management system shall be reviewedand approved for use by authorized personnel prior toissue . A master list or an equivalent document controlprocedure identifying the current revision status anddistribution of documents in the management systemshall be established and shall be read ily available topreclude the use of invalid and/or obsolete document s.

4.3.2.2 The procedure(s) adopted shall ensure that,

a) authorized editions of appropriate documentsare available at all locations where operationsessential to the effective functioning of thecentre are performed;

b) documents are periodically reviewed and,where necessary. revised to ensure continuingsuitability and compl iance with applicablerequirements;

c) invalid or obsolete documents are promptlyremoved from all points of issue or use; orotherwise assured against unintended use; and

d) obsolete documents retained for either legalor knowledge preservation purpose s aresuitably marked.

4.3.2.3 Management system documents generated bythe centre shall be uniquely identified . Suchidentification shall include the date of issue and/orrevision identification, page numbering. the total

number of pages or a mark to signify the end of thedocument. and the issuing authority.

4.3.3 Document Changes

4.3.3.1 Changes to documents shall be done by thesame function unless specifically designated otherwisethat performed the original review.

4.3.3.2 Procedures shall be established to describe howchanges in documents maintained in computerizedsystem are made and controlled.

4.4 Review of Requests/Contracts

4.4.1 The centre shall ensure that hallmarking is donefor jewellery/artefacts offered by BIS certified licenseesonly. Records of such BIS licensees whose jewellery/artefacts are received for hallmarking shall bemaintained.

4.4.2 The centre shall have internet facility to accessthe BIS website for ascertaining the -current statu s ofBIS licensees .

4.4.3 The centre shall accept only such jewellery/artefacts which are capable of being hallmarked.

4.4.4 The centre shall ensure that the jewellery/artefactsare hallmarked and kept ready for delivery to the clientwithin 48 h.

4.4.5 The centre shall also undertake the assaying ofjewellery/samples from common consumers onpriority on chargeable basis. Assay report (as perIS 1418 for gold and IS 21 13 for silver) shall be issuedgiving proper identifications as marked on article/sample.

4.4.6 The centre shall establish and maintain procedureto review the requests for hallmarking including at leastthe following:

a) Whether request from a BIS certified licensee;

b) Validity and scope of licence held;

c) Review of markings on the jewellery/artefacts;d) Quantity in numbers with declared fineness ;e) Design for artefacts (Medallions/Coins

resembling currency of any country not to behallmarked);

f) Insurance of the jewellery/artefacts submittedfor Hallmarking purposes by the licensee;

g) capabil ity in respect of availability of CRMs;

h) capability in respect of meeting delivery timeschedule;

j ) Delivery mode and charges. if any: and

k) Hallmarking charges applicable.

NOTE - The Centre shall lake an undertaking from

the jeweller declaring the ir idcnrificarion mark as

decl ared to BIS.

3

IS 15820 : 2009

4.4.7 Records of reviews, including any significantchanges. shall be maintained. Records shall also bemaintained of pertinent discussions with a customerrelating to the customer's requirements or the resultsof the work during the period of execution of thecontract.

4.4.8 The customer shall be informed of any deviationfrom the contract.

4.4.9 If a contract need s to be amended after work hascommenced. the same contract review proces s shallbe repeated and any amendments shall becommunicated to all affec ted personnel.

4.5 Subcontracting of Tests

Subcontracting of any activity related to assaying andhallmarking shall not be permitted.

4.6 Purchasing Sen-ices and Supplies

4.6.1 The centre shall have procedure(s) for theselection and purchasing of serv ices and supplies ituses that affect the quality of the assaying andhallmarking. Procedures shall exist for the purchase,recept ion and s torage of reagents and laboratoryconsumable materials relevant for the assaying andhallmarking.

4.6.2 The centre shall ensure that purchased suppliesand reagents and consumable materials that affect thequality of tests are not used until they have beeninspec ted or oth erwise verified as complying withstandard specifications or requirements defined in themethods for the tests concerned. The se services andsupplies used shall comply with specified requirements.Records of actions taken to check compliance shall bemaintained.

4.6.3 Purchas ing documents for items affecting thequality of centre output shall contain data describingthe services and supplies ordered. These purchasingdocuments sha ll be re viewed and approved fortechnical content prior to rele ase.

4.6.4 The centre shall evaluate suppl iers of crit icalconsumables, supplies and services which affect thequality of assay ing and hallmarking. and shall maintainrecords of these evaluations and list those approved.

4.7 Service to the Customer

4.7.1 The centre shall be will ing to cooperate withcustomers or their repre sentatives in clarifying thecustomer's request and in monitoring the centre'sperformance in relati on to the work performed.provided that the centre ensure s confidentiality to othercustomers.

4.7.2 The centre shall seek feedback. both positive and

IS 15820 : 2009

negative. from its customers . The feedback shall beused and analyzed to improve the management system.assaying and hallmarking activities and customerservice.

4.8 Complaints

4.8.1The centre shall lay down procedure for recording.investigatingand resolution of customer complaints. Ifnecessary,correctiveactions shall be taken by the centrebased on investigations and analysis. Records shall bemaintained for all complaints. investigations andcorrective actions taken. if any.

4.8.2 The complaints shall be resolved within onemonth. In case the complaint is not resolved withingiven time frame. that is one month same shall bebrought to the knowledge of BIS.

4.8.3 If the complaint is challenged. the final authorityfor resolving the same lies with BIS.

4.8.4 Where a complaint or any other circumstancesraises doubt concerning the centre's compliance withthe laid down policies and procedures, or with therequirements of this standard or otherwise concerningthe quality of assaying and hallmarking, the centre shallensure that those areas of activity. and responsibilityinvolved are promptly audited in accordance with laiddown procedures .

4.9 Control of Non-conforming Testing Work

4.9.1 The centre shall have procedures that shall beimplemented when any aspect of its assaying andhallmarking work, or the results of this work. do notconform to its own procedures or the agreedrequirements of the customer. The procedures shallensure that:

a) the responsibilities and authorities for themanagement of non-conforming work aredesignated and actions (including halting ofwork and withholding of test reports orhallmarking, as necessary) are defined andtaken when non-conforming work isidentified;

b) an evaluation of the significance of the non­conforming work is made;

c) correction is taken immediately. together withany decision about the acceptability of thenon-conforming work;

d) where necessary, the customer is notified andwork is recalled; and

e) responsibility for authorizing the resumptionof work is defined.

4.9.2 Where the evaluation indicates that thenon-conforming work could reoccur or that there is

4

doubt about the compliance of the centre 's operationswith its own policies and procedures, the correctiveaction procedure s shall be promptly followed .

4.9.3 Professional Indemnity Insurance

The centre shall take profession indemnity insuranceto cover the liability of hallmarked jewellery/artefactswith respect to purity/fineness for a minimum amountof Rs. 2 lakh.

4.10 Improvement

The centre shall endeavour to continually improve theeffectiveness of its management system through theuse of the quality policy, quality objectives. auditresults. analysis of data. corrective and preventiveactions and management review.

4.11 Corrective Action

4.11.1 The centre shall establish a procedure and shalldesignate appropriate authorities for implementingcorrective action when non-conforming work ordepartures from. the procedures in the managementsystem or technical operations have been identified.

4.11.2 The procedure for corrective action shall startwith an investigation to determine the root cause(s) ora careful analysis of all potential causes of the problem.

4.11.3 Where corrective action is needed, the centreshall identify possible corrective actions. It shall selectand implement the action(s) most likely to eliminatethe problem and to prevent recurrence.

4.11.4 The centre shall document and implement anyrequired changes resulting from investigations andmonitor the results to ensure that the corrective actionstaken are effective.

4.12 Preventive Action

4.12.1 Centre shall identify the needed improvementsand potential sources of non-conformities. eithertechnical or concerning the management system. Whenimprovement opportunities are identified or ifpreventive action is required, action plans shall bedeveloped , implemented and monitored to reduce thelikelihood of the occurrence of such non-conformitiesand to take advantage of the opportunities forimprovement.

4.12.2 Procedures for preventive actions shall includethe initiation of such actions and the application ofcontrols to ensure that they are effective .

4.13 Control of Records

4.13.1 General

4.13.1.1 The centre shall establish and maintain

procedures for identification, collection, indexing,access, filing, storage, retrieval, maintenance anddisposal of records.

4.13.1.2 All records shall be legible and shall be storedand retained in such a way that they are readilyretrievable in facilities that provide a suitableenvironment to prevent damage or deterioration andto prevent loss.

4.13.1.3 All records shall be held secure and inconfidence.

4.13.1.4 The centre shall have procedures to protectand back-up records stored electronically and toprevent unauthorized access to or amendment of theserecords.

4.13.2 Technical Records

4.13.2.1 The centre shall retain records of originalobservations, derived data and sufficient informationto establish an audit trail, calibration records, staffrecords and a copy of each test report issued, for adefined period. The records for each test shallcontain sufficient information to facilitate, ifpossible, identification of factors affecting theuncertainty and to enable the test to be repeatedunder conditions as close as possible to the original.The records shall include the identity of personnelresponsible for the receipt, sampling, assaying(performance of each test and checking of results),hallmarking and delivery.

4.13.2.2 Observations, data and calculations shall berecorded at the time they are made and shall beidentifiable to the specific task.

4.13.2.3 When mistakes occur in records, each mistakeshall be crossed out, not erased, made illegible ordeleted, and the correct value entered alongside. Allsuch alterations to records shall be signed or initiatedby the person making the correction. In the case ofrecords stored electronically, equivalent measures shallbe taken to avoid loss or change of original data.

4.13.3 Retention Period

All records including that for jewellery/artefacts'hallmarked for each of the BIS licensee shall beretained for a period of minimum three years.

4.14 Internal Audits

4.14.1 The centre shall periodically (preferably twicea year), and in accordance with a predeterminedschedule and procedure, conduct internal audits of itsactivities to verify that its operations continue tocomply with the requirements of the documentedmanagement system. The internal audit programmeshall address all activities of the centre. Such audits

5

IS 15820 : 2009

shall be carried out by trained and qualified personnelindependent of the activity to be audited.

4.14.2 When audit findings cast doubt on theeffectiveness of the operations or on the correctness orvalidity of the centre's test results, the centre shall taketimely corrective action, and shall notify customers inwriting if investigations show that the centre's resultmay have been affected.

4.14.3 The area of activity audited, the audit findingsand corrective actions that arise from them shall berecorded.

4.14.4 Follow-up audit activities shall verify and recordthe implementation and effectiveness of the correctiveaction taken.

4.15 Management Review

4.15.1 The top management shall periodically(preferably twice a year), conduct a review of thecentre's management system and assaying andhallmarking activities to ensure their continuingsuitability and effectiveness as per planned scheduleand procedure, and to introduce necessary changes orimprovements. The review shall take into account thefollowing:

a) Suitability of policies and procedures;

b) Reports from managerial and supervisorypersonnel;

c) Outcome of recent internal audits;

d) Corrective and preventive actions;

e) Assessments by external bodies;

f) Results of interlaboratory comparisons orproficiency tests;

g) Changes in the volume and type of the work;

h) Customer feedback;

j) Complaints;

k) Recommendations for improvement; and

m) Other relevant factors, such as quality controlactivities, resources and staff training.

4.15.2 Findings from management reviews and theactions that arise from them shall be recorded. Themanagement shall ensure that those actions are carriedout within an appropriate and agreed timescale.

5 TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1 To ensure the correctness and reliability of theassaying and hallmarking, the centre shall exercisecontrol on various factors including human factors,accommodation and environmental conditions, testmethods, equipment. measurement traceability,sampling, handling of jewellery/artefacts andhallmarking.

IS J5820 : 2009

5.2 Personnel

5.2.1 The management of the centre shall ensure thecompetence of personnel, through nece ssar yeducational qualification. training , technicalknowledge and experience for their assigned functions.

5.2.2 The assay incharge shall be graduate in scienceor diploma/graduate in metallurgy with chemistry asone of the subjects and shall have undergone trainingin lab management, sampling, as saying andhallmarking.

5.2.3 The management of centre shall have a procedurefor identification for training need s and providingtraining to the personnel. The effectiveness of thetraining actions shall be evaluated.

5.2.4 The centre shall maintain current job descriptionsfor managerial, technical and key support personnelinvolved in assaying and hallmarking.

5.2.5 The management shall authorize specificpersonnel to perform particular types of sampling,assaying. to issue test reports , to give opinions andinterpretations and to operate particular types ofequipment.

5.2.6 The centre shall mainta in records of the relevantauthorization, competence, qualification, train ing ,skills and experience of all technical personnel.

5.2.7 Confidentiality

The centre shall ensure that the personnel of the centreobserve professional secrecy.

5.3 Accommodation and Environmental Conditions

5.3.1 The centre shall ensure facilit ies for testing ,including but not limited to energy sources, lightingand environmental conditions, such as to facilitatecorrect performance of the tests.

5.3.2 The centre shall monitor, control and recordenvironmental conditions as required by the relevantspecifications, methods and procedures or where theyinfluence the quality of the results . Due attention shallbe paid, for example , to following:

a) Dust, electromagnetic disturbances, radiation,humidity, electrical supply, temperature, andsound and vibration levels in microbalance.XRF machine and laser marking machinerooms as appropriate.

b) Proper exhaust arran gement for furnaces andparting chamber.

c) Proper treatment of exhaust fumes beforedischarge into the atmosphere.

d) Un-interrupted power supply arrangement!Power back up arrangement.

6

Test s sha ll be stopped when the environmentalconditions jeopardize the result s of the tests.

5.3.3 There shall be effective separation betweenneighbouring areas in which there are incompatibleactivities especially the assaying lab and microbalancefrom received/deli very area, sampling and hallmarkingactivity.

5.3.4 Access to and use of areas affecting the qualityof the tests shall be controlled.

5.3 .5 The centre shall ensure good house-keepingthroughout.

5.4 Test Methods

5.4.1 The centre shall document a detailed procedurefor th e inspection and controlled mo vement ofjewellery articles/artefacts at various stages that is.

a) Receiv ing ;

b) Preliminary examination for homogeneitycheck and segregation;

c) Sampling;

d) Assaying;

e) Hallmarking;

f) For correct marking and any damage incurred;

g) Packaging and return of comets, if any; and

h) Final despatch/delivery .

5.4.2 The centre shall carry out preliminaryexamination by XRF method for homogeneity checkand segregation.

5.4.3 Verification for the presence of prohibitedelements/metals such as cadmium, ruthenium andIridium in gold articles/artefacts as per IS 1417 andlead and cadmium in silver articles/artefacts as perIS 2112 shall also be done by XRF method.

5.4.4 Assaying

The assaying of gold and gold jewellery/artefacts shallbe carried out as per IS 1418 and the assaying of silverand silver jewellery/artefacts shall be carried out asper IS 2113.

5.4.5 Control ofNon-conforming Articles

The centre shall document and implement aprocedure to include identification and segregationof non-conforming and rejected articles at followingMages:

a) Preliminary examination by XRF method. and

b) Before marking.

The responsibility for review and authority for thedisposition of non-conforming product shall bedefined.

IS 15820 : 2009

5.4.6.2 All the items to be marked with the followingin the order defined in a linear design with inbuiltsecurity component:

NOTES

1 The non-conformance at sampling/segregation is due to thereasons that the lot submitted is (a) not homogenous; (b) verydifferent from the decl ared purity; (c) not at sufficient advancestage of manufacturin g or all the parts are not in position. and(d) presence of elements proh ibited as per IS J417 or IS 2112.

2 The non-conformance at marking stage is after assaying thepurity content and when it does not conform EO the declaredvalue ,

5.4.6 Hallmarking

5.4.6.1 The centre shall carry out marking as perdocumented procedure using laser marking machine sand on articles which are conforming based onpreliminary examination and assaying result s. Themarkings shall be, leg ible and durable . Bureau ofIndian Standards (BIS) shall provide the design of thehallmark.

a) BIS marklIogo,

b) Purity grade/fineness.

c) Hallmarking and Assaying Centre 's identifi ­cation mark/logo,

d) Year of marking denoted by a letter (asdefined by BIS), and

e) Licensee jeweller's/manufacturer's identi­fication mark (see 4.4.6).

5.4.6.3 The permissible sizes (height) of the hallmarkare:

5.4.7 Control ofData

5.4.7.1 The centre shall ensure that the calculat ionsand data transfers are subjected to appropriate checksin a systematic manner.

5.4.7.2 When computers or automated equipment areused for the acquisition, processing record ing,reporting , storage or retrieval of test data, the centreshall ensure that,

a) comput er software developed by the user isdocumented in sufficienIdetail and is suitablyvalidated as being adequate for use;

b) procedures are establi shed and implementedfor protecting the data; such procedures shallinclude, but not be limited to, integrity andconfiden tiality of data entry or collection, datastorage, data tran smission and dataproce ssing ; and

c) computers and automated equipment aremainta ined to ensure proper functioning andare pro vided with the environmental andoperating conditions necessary to maintain theintegrity of test data.

5.5 Equipment

5.5.1 The centre shall have all the equ ipments ofrequired accuracy/least count as per relevant IndianStandard to perform assaying and hallmarking. A listof equipment for assaying of gold and silver is givenin Annex A and Annex B respect ively.

5.5.2 All equipment and reference materiaJ requiredfor correct performance of tests shall be maintained,verified and calibrated.

For Silvermm

For Goldmm

5.4.6.7 The centre shall maintain record (hard or softcopy)of laser marking done for different BIS licensees.

5.4.6 .4 Marking to be done on all part s which can beeasily removed or replaced.

5.4.6.5 Any gold/silver article/ornament which is notsolid or which is made with hollow centre and thenfilled with cement, lac or other foreign substance whichis non-metallic will be additionally marked with theweight of gold or silver (as applicable) as declared bythe licensee jeweller.

5.4.6.6 Vigilance to be maintained during use of lasermarking machine through appropriate password toavoid unauthori zed use.

1.5

1.0

0.75

0.5

4.0

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.75

5.5.3 The centre shaJl have procedures for safe handling,transport, storage, use and planned maintenance ofmeasuring equ ipment to ensure proper functioning .Equipment shall be operated by authorized personnel.

5.5.4 All equipment in the centre and req uir ingcalibration shall be labelled or otherwise identified toindicate the status of caJibration, including the datewhen last cal ibrated and the date of expiry whenrecaJibration is due.

5.5.5 When intermediate checks are needed to maintainconfidence in the calibration status of the equipment,these checks shall be carried out according to a definedprocedure.

5.5.6 Where caJibrations give rise to a set ofcorrectionfactors, the centre shaJlensure that corrections are takeninto account.

5.5.7 Test equ ipment, including both hardware andsoftware, shall be safeguarded from adjustments whichwould invaJidate the test resu lts.

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IS 15820 : 2009

5.6 Measurement Traceability

5.6.1 All measuring and testing equipment shall becalibrated and/or verified before pUI into use.

5.6.2 The center shall have a self establishedprogramme for the calibration and --:eri.fic.ation of itsmeasuring and test equipment at pen odic intervals .

5.6.3 All calibrations shall betraceable to the National/International Standards.

5.6.4 Reference standards of measurement (to be usedfor calibration) shall becalibrated hy a competent bodythat can provide traceability to Nationalor InternationalStandards.

5.6.5 Reference materials shall, where possible, betraceable to Nationalllnternational Standard referencematerials. Records of receipt, consumption, testing ofreference materials shall be maintained ensuringidentification and traceability.

5.6.6 Intermediate Checks

5.6.6.1 The centre shal! ensure intermediate checks tomaintain confidence in the calibration status of XRFmachine and microbalance according to definedprocedures and schedules.

5.6.6.2 Guidelines for verification/calibration ofequipments and availability of Certified ReferenceMaterials (CRMs) are given in Annex C.

5.7 Sampling

5.7.1 The centre shall carry out Sampling as per BISapproved sampling plan given in Annex D andGuidelines for Sampling as given in Annex E. Detailedsampling plans, if required, may be prepared by thecentre.

5.7.2 The centre shall carry out sampling using specialtools to get a representative sample as per IS 1418 forgold and IS 2113 for silver and documentedinstructions maintained by assaying and hallmarkingcentre.

5.7.3 The records maintained shall include the samplingprocedure used, identification of samples and thesampling personnel, environmental conditions.

5.7.4 Samples shall have identifiable traceability withthe lot and the test result.

5.8 Handling or Test Items

5.8.1 The centre shall have procedures for the receipt,handling, protection, storage, retention and/or disposalof jewellery/artefacts, including all provisionsnecessary to protect the integrity of the test item, andto protect the interests of the centre and the customer.

5.8.2 The centre shall have a system to identify

8

jewellery/artefacts and samples at all stages including

assaying.

5.8.3 Upon receipt of the jewellery/artefacts.abnormalities or departures from normal or specifiedconditions shall be recorded . When there is doubt asto the suitability of an item for test or when an itemdoes not conform to the description provided, the centreshall consult the customer for further instructionsbefore proceeding and shall record the discussion.

5.8,4 Security Systems

5.8.4.1 Security of all the jewellery articles/artefactsshall beensured during working hours and articles heldovernight. Availability of safe to be ensured for securedstorage of articles .

5.8.4.2 Security system with closed circuit TV/motionpicture detection system or any other suitablemechanism linked to police is recommended for thesecurity of jewellery articles/artefacts received duringday time or held overnight.

5.8.5 Packaging

5.8.5.1 The centre shall ensure identity during finalpackaging for

a) Unassayed jewellery/artefacts after first stageof sampling,

b) Hallmarked jewellery articles/artefacts,

c) Rejected jewellery articles/artifacts, and

d) Comets (left after assaying of gold articles).

5.8.5.2 Items shall be suitably protected in finalpackaging for transportation (if requiredj/delivery.

5.8.6 Insurance

The centre shall take insurance for the jewellerylartefacts under process/stock and high cost equipmentsfor minimum amount of Rs. 10 lakh,

5.9 Assuring the Quality or Test Results

5.9.1 The centre shall have quality control proceduresfor monitoring the validity of tests undertaken. Themonitoring shall be planned and reviewed and shallinclude, but not be limited to the following:

a) Regular use of certified reference materials;

b) Participation in inter laboratory comparisonor proficiency-testing programmes; and

c) Repeat tests using the same methods.

5.9.2 Quality control data shall be analyzed and, wherethey are found to be outside pre-defined criteria,planned action shall be taken to correct the problemand to prevent incorrect results from being reported .

5.10 Reporting the Results

5.10.1 Test Report

The test report shall include at least the followinginformation (as per IS 1418IIS 2113) :

a) Identification of the sample including source,date of receipt, form of sample;

b) Sampling procedure;

c) Method used by reference to this standard;

d) Gold/Silver content of the sample, in parts perthousand by mass, as single and mean values;

IS 15820 : 2009

e) If relevant, any deviations from the methodspecified in this standard;

f) Any unusual features observed during thedetermination;

g) Date of test;

h) Identification of the laboratory carrying outthe analysis; and

j) Signature of assay incharge and testingpersonnel.

ANNEXA(Clause 5.5.1)

LIST OF EQUIPMENTS AND REAGENTS FOR GOLD ASSAYING

SI Name ofEquipment and Instruments Least Range

No. Count/Sensitivity

A-I LIST OF EQUIPMENTS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR GOLDASSAYING AND HALLMARKING BY CUPELLAnONMETHOD (FOR GUIDANCE ONLY)

I) Cupellation furnace - 0-1 150°C

2) Annealing furnace - O-900°C

3) Weighing balance (to be installed in dust free room and 0.002 mg for

anti vibration platform) 990 fineness and0.001 mg for morethan 990 fineness

4) Laser machine (capable of marking as per IS 1417)5) XRF machine (capable to detect Cd, Pb, Ir and Ru, elements, etc)

6) Air conditioner7) Generator (for uninterrupted power supply to the cupellation

furnace)8) BaIling plier9) Cupels

10) Cleaning brush11) Hammer and anvil (hammer of 400 g) or power press

12) Scrapping tools (different type of scrappers, micro drills, chisels,

etc)13) Magnifying glass (10 X)14) Emery paper (different grades)15) Aluminium and stainless steel tray16) Thermometer17) Hydrometer 120°C18) Parting tray with thimbles of Pt or PtlIr or

19) PtIRh or unglazed silica . .20) Crucible (pure graphite crucible for melting of scrapings)

21) Hot plate22) Jeweller's roll23) Scorification dishes (dia 50 mm required for testing of white

24) gold)25) Tongs and forceps26) Antivibration table/platform for high accuracy balance

27) Numbering devicelNumber punch 1050°C28) Fume-hood with scrubber29) Furnace for melting scrapping

0.01 mm

Micrometer.

9

IS 15820 : 2009

A-2 LIST OF REAGENTS

I) Check gold2) Silver, copper foil/wire or disc, lead foil, nickel and palladium3) Parting acid No. I and No.24) Distilled water (see IS 1076)5) Borax6) Reference gold samples of 750 and 916 fineness for calibration of XRF machine.

ANNEXB(Clause 5.5.1)

LIST OF EQUIPMENTS AND REAGENTS FOR SILVER ASSAYING

SI Name ofthe Equipments and Instruments Least RangeNo. Count/Sensitivity

B-1 LIST OF EQUIPMENTS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR SILVERASSAYING AND HALLMARKING BY GRAVIMETRICMETHOD (FOR GUIDANCE ONLY)

I) XRF machine (capable to detect Cd and Pb)2) Laser machine (capable of marking large article also)3) Weighing balance (to be installed in dust free room and anti- 0.01 mg

vibration platform)4) Airconditioner (to make the atmosphere dustfree and to maintain

room temp)5) Hot plate (convenient size for silver assaying) 250°C6) Drying oven electrical 200°C7) Hammer I kg8) Rolling mill (capable of rolling buttons into strip)9) Generator for uninturrpted power supply10) Scrapping tools (microdrill, different types of scrappers, scissors

and chisels)II) Magnifying glass (lOX)12) Assay bottle (see IS 2113)13) Potting trough (see IS 2113)14) Burette/dropping pipette (see IS 2113)15) Metallic tray (for carrying skiff, see IS 2113)16) Watch glass 75 mm Dia17) Funnel18) Glass beaker 25 mmDia19) Shaking machine (see IS 2113) 250ml20) Tongs and forceps21) Teflon cups and ceramic or stainless steel dishes22) Wedgewood dishes23) Silver assay weights24) Desiccator25) Filter vacuum pump26) Sintered glass crucible No.3 (medium porosity) G3 and G427) Anti-vibration table for high accuracy balance28) Distilled water/appropriate distillation plant for distilled water29) Turned table30) Glass rods31) Wash bottle with fine jet

B-2 LIST OF REAGENTSI) Dilute nitric acid2) Dilute hydrochloric acid3) Distilled water4) Reference silver samples of 850 and 925 fineness

to

IS 15820 : 2009

C·3 The calibrations/verifications shall cover thefollowing point/range of use:C·2 The calibration certificates of the equipments shall

ANNEXC(Clause 5.6.6.2)

GUIDELINES FOR VERIFICATION/CALIBRATION OF EQUIPMENTS AND AVAILABILITY OFCERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIALS (CRMs)

C·1 The equipments/materials shall be got calibrated/ preferably indicate observations along with associatedcertified with traceability to Nationalllnternational uncertainty of measurements.Standards preferably from NABL accredited labs.

Equipment/Material Recommendation Recommended MinimumFrequency

Micro Balance Initial calibration with traceability 2 YearCalibrated weights for regularinternal checks

Cupellation and annealing furnace Calibration with traceability 1 Yeartemperature indicators

XRFmachine Initial calibration by supplier -Regular internal checks withcertified reference standards ofgold/silver of different fineness

Standard weights for internal Calibration with traceability -checks of micro balance

Gold/Silver standards of different Certified by India Govt Mint or Minimum 2 number standards offineness (as per requirement) for NABL accredited lab with proper different fineness covering usageXRF machine verification identification on the standard range

Proof gold/silver/lead/copper - Certified by India Govt Mint or Sufficient quantity to be availableMaterial for Assaying as per NABL accredited labIS 1418 orIS 2113

Distilled water or water of Test certificate from supplier or -equivalent purity free from halides testing of sample from a lab orand suspended impurities self testing arrangement

Nitric acid free from halides and Test certificate from supplier or -suspended impurities testing of sample from a lab or

self testing arrangement

II

IS 15820 : 2009

ANNEXD(Clause 5.7.1)

BIS APPROVED SAMPLING PLAN

Follow Steps in Downward Direction and Look for the Applicable Situation

Step 1 Receipt and physical verification of consignment of Jewellery offered by HIS licensed Jeweller

Step 2 100 percent check of each article of lot (for declared fineness) by XRF to ensure conformity andhomogeneity of lot as per declaration and presence of prohibited elements as per relevant IS

Step 3 (A) (B) (C)

Fineness of lot is same as declared by Jeweller Fineness of lot is Fineness of lot isand Homogeneous as per XRF different than that different than

declared by Jeweller that declared by

but lot is homogeneous Jeweller andarticles of lot arealso of differentfineness that is,heterogeneouslot

Step 4 (D) Refer back to jeweller Refer back toUniform lot (similar items) Non- jeweller

uniformlot

(differentitems)

StepS For Scrapping For_Cutting! Make sub- Observed Not Reject and returnPlease see Melting lots of fineness accepted jewelleryAnnex E Please see similar accepted by jeweller

Annex E articles by jeweller

Step 6 Melt under controlled conditions Proceed as Proceed as Reject andthat is, reducing atmosphere and (D) (A) returnmake a homogeneous button made jewelleryof composite sample

Step 7 Draw sample for duplicate assay asper IS 1418 for gold and IS 2113 forsilver

Step 8 Carryout assaying as per IS 1418for gold and IS 2113 for silver

12

IS 15820: 2009

ANNEXE(Clause 5.7.1)

GUIDELINES ON SAMPLING

E-l PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

E-!.l Visual inspect ion to check mark ing on thearticles . if any.

E-l.2 Visual inspection to detect any exces sive orsub-standard solder.

E-!.3 Visual inspection to detect base metal parts orunauthorized filling .

E-l.4 Segregation of any doubtful articles for specialtests.

E-1.5 The centre shall carry out preliminaryexamination by XRF method on each article forhomogeneity check and segregation.

E-l.5.1 Verification for the pre sence of prohibitedelements/metals as per relevant Indian Standard shallalso be done by XRF method.

E-2 SAMPLING

E-2.1 The following methods of sampling may be used:

a) Cutting.b) scrapping. andc) drilling.

E-2.2 CUlling is the preferred method for accuracy butit is often not practicable. In such cases. samples maybe removed by scrapping. In special circumstancessamples may also be obtained by drilling.

E-2.3 Samples may be taken from convenient positionsprovided that they are representative of the part beingsampled. Other types of surface impurities such asresidues of polishing media must also be removedbefore samples are taken. Lacquer must also beremoved by a suitable solvent.

E-2.4 Samples from articles which have been polishedor are contaminated with grease may require to bedegreased in a suitable solvent (for exampletrichloroethylene) before they are assayed.

E-2.5 The number of items taken from a lot and thenumberofsamples taken from these items for testing andanalysis shall be sufficient to establish the homogeneityof the lot and ensure that all parts ofall articles controlledin the lot are up to the required standard of fineness.

E-2.6 The number of articles selected for sampling andthe extent to which samples from more than one articleare grouped together before assaying will depend oncircumstances. For example. in some cases. it may bemore appropriate to select one or more articles atrandom from a lot and to assay them separately. in othercases it may be preferable to sample a greater number

13

of articles and group the samples together before assay.Experience of the likely variation in fineness within alot and the extent to which the articles may be damagedby sampling will be the dec iding factors. In general .the minimum number of articles selected according tothe size of the lot shall be as below.

E-3 MINIMUM NUMBER OF SAMPl.ES ANDASSAYS

E·3.1 Consignment and Lot

A consignment shall be collection of articles/artifactsof same fineness from which a sample shall be drawnand assayed to determine conformance with theacceptable criteria. There may be different lots in aconsignment. A lot shall be defined as set of articleshaving same fineness. type/design.

Item Lot Sampling Sampling by Recom-Size by Cutting, Min mended

Scrapping! Mini-Drilling mum

Min Assayspercent

1-40 lO I IJewel 41-100 lO 2 2-Iery

lOl- 10 One One280 additional for additional

every 60 assay forpieces every 60

pieces

281 10 One Oneand additional additional

above assay to assay toevery 100 every 100

pieces pieces

Arte- 1-500 - One sample One forfacts for every 100 every 100

pieces pieces

501 - One addition Oneand after every addition

above 250 pieces afterevery 250

pieces

E-3.2 Where an art icle selected for sampling is madeof several parts. each part of the article shall. wherepracticable. be sampled.

E-3.3 If articles are s uspec ted of containing anunauthorized filling. they shall be tested by drilling orCUlling or by immersion in a suitable reagent.

MGJPF---a94 Deptt of B15/2006-11 2 2009-300 BOOkS

Bureau of Indian Standards

BIS is a .statutory institution established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 to promoteharmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goodsand attending to connected matters in the country.

Copyright

BIS has the copyright of all its publications. No part of these publications may be reproduced in any formwithout the prior permission in writing of BIS. This does not preclude the free use, in the course ofimplementing the standard, of necessary details, such as symbols and sizes, type or grade designations.Enquiries relating to copyright be addressed to the Director (Publications), BIS.

Review of Indian Standards

Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are also reviewedperiodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review indicates that no changes areneeded; if the review indicates that changes are needed, it is taken up for revis ion. Users of Indian Standardsshould ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or edition by referring to the latest issue of'BIS Catalogue ' and 'Standards: Monthly Additions'.

This Indian Standard has been developed from Doc: No. MTD 10 (4816).

Amendments Issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue Text Affected

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