Guidance for selling precious metal items to the public

By law in the UK, any item over a certain weight, which is being described, either verbally or in writing, as wholly or partly made of gold, silver, platinum, or palladium requires to have a hallmark when being sold to the public.

Find out more: 

• Hallmarking Act of 1973
• Hallmarking guidance

What is a hallmark?

A hallmark is a set of specific component marks which are applied by an independent assay office who are testing the purity of the metal and applying the appropriate hallmarks to indicate the standard and quality of the precious metal.

Part of the hallmark is the legally required sponsor mark which is obtained by registering with an assay office. Assay offices outside of the UK can apply a convention hallmark which, due to the same stringent rules being adhered to, is accepted.

Find out more:

• London Assay Office

Dealer's Notice

The hallmark images are able to be seen in the Dealer’s Notice which is downloadable from the London Assay Office website.

By law the Dealer’s Notice needs to be shown at point of sale so the end consumer is able to see these marks on the item and is aware that independent and legally required authentication has been carried out, permitting the item to be sold legally as precious metal.

What is exempt?

Items being described as precious metal do not need to be hallmarked when the entire metal weight is less than the minimum weight threshold:

Find out more:

• Other rules for the exemption of certain types of items can be found in the Hallmarking Act and Guidance Notes.

Possible infringements

Description

The description of the item should be clear and not imply that it is precious metal just because of its colour or plating. The main alloy of the metal must be written clearly in the description to avoid any confusion to the consumer, for example, gold plated brass cufflinks.

Plating

Plated base metal items should be clearly described. Some platings are not permitted therefore you should check the types of platings allowed in the guidance notes and the Hallmarking Act.

Fraudulent or counterfeit hallmarks

No marks should be affixed/applied to an item which could be confused with a hallmark.

Adjusting an already hallmarked item

Subject to the exceptions detailed in the Guidance Notes and Section 5 of the Hallmarking Act, it is an offence to add precious metal to an already hallmarked item as this metal has not been independently tested.

Consumer Rights Act 2015

Officer’s powers to enter and inspect premises and to secure or seize material

Further to being issued with this guidance, please be advised that a visit by Trading Standards Officers may be carried out and any noncompliance found in regards to the above legislation could result in goods being seized, and legal proceedings being taken against you.