NAJ welcomes government hallmarking reform statement

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and the UK’s four Assay Offices have welcomed recognition by the Department for Business and Trade of the importance of hallmarking.

The NAJ said that in response to its joint letter with the Assay Offices calling for reform to the 1973 Hallmarking Act, the minister for employment rights and consumer protection Kate Dearden MP recognised that hallmarking safeguards consumers while promoting fair competition across the jewellery industry.

The NAJ added that Dearden acknowledged that current laws are no longer suitable for contemporary retail practices such as online selling, and affirmed the government is looking to refresh the rules around hallmarking when there’s a legislative vehicle to do so.

It said that the government has also invited the organisation and precious metal purity testers to meet with officials to examine enforcement challenges in online marketplaces and discuss the practical changes needed to keep the system strong and fit for the long-term.

The Assay Offices and NAJ said it welcomed this chance for further correspondence and would back the government in creating a modern hallmarking framework that maintains its long‑standing integrity, enhances consumer protection and remains a world‑leading standard.

The letter they co-authored and submitted in December pushed for a formal consultation on several specific amendments to the Hallmarking Act, such as more defined definitions for online commerce, assertion that digital listings constitute an “offer to sell”, expansion of liability to online marketplaces and allowing for more effective enforcement in the digital sphere.

The NAJ said the government has confirmed that future proposals will be underpinned by evidence and operational insights from it and the Assay Offices.

Ben Massey, CEO of the National Association of Jewellers, said: “We are pleased to receive such a constructive and encouraging response from the Minister. The UK hallmarking regime provides essential consumer protection, giving people confidence that the precious metal they are buying is exactly what it claims to be.

“As more international sellers gain access to UK consumers, it is important that the system continues to evolve so it remains fit for purpose, supports responsible business, and protects the public. We look forward to working closely with the Department for Business and Trade to ensure the legislation keeps pace with the needs of today’s market.”