Counterfeit silver bars flood Indian markets; refiners push BIS for mandatory hallmarking

Adulterated silver bars and coins laced with nickel, cadmium and lead are spreading across Jaipur, Agra, Salem, Rajkot, Kolhapur and Cuttack as prices rally. Refiners want BIS to enforce mandatory silver hallmarking and refiner licensing by Sept 2025; MCX, BSE and NSE plan quality-certified silver bars on exchanges.

— Filed Tue, 26 May, 2026, 16:23 IST · Source Times of India · Business · Updated

Indian silver market faces counterfeit surge with bars and coins containing nickel, cadmium and lead. Refiners urge BIS to enforce mandatory silver hallmarking and refiner licensing; MCX, BSE, NSE plan quality-certified silver bars on exchanges.