According to research conducted by anti-counterfeiting specialists WRi Group in 2021, there could be as many as one million items of fake ‘gold’ jewellery being listed for sale in the UK each year, through online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon, as well as in traditional retail and wholesale premises.
In order to combat this fraudulent trading, The British Hallmarking Council (BHC), the London Assay Office (LAO) and the WRi Group are currently engaged in a joint hallmarking education and enforcement initiative. Operation Stamping It Out aims to educate and raise awareness among industry, consumers, enforcement and government about the threat posed by this illicit activity.
As part of that initiative, on 27 September, WRi Group and the LAO sponsored a Hallmarking Awareness Event for the London Trading Standards and South East Region, held at Walbrook Wharf in the City of London.
The event began with a welcome introduction to delegates given by Noel Hunter, Chair of the BHC, and by Will Evans, Director of the Goldsmiths’ Company, London Assay Office.
Adam Phillips of the London Assay Office gives a presentation
There followed a series of excellent, informative presentations during the morning session. These sessions addressed current and relevant legislation.
- Touchstone, Trade and Transgression: An Interesting Historical Perspective on Hallmarking – Robert Grice
- The Law on Hallmarking and Legal / Technical Requirements – Adam Phillips, Deputy Director, London Assay Office
- Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 – Jemma Cox, CTSI Lead Officer for Civil Law
Delegates then enjoyed the hospitality of a buffet lunch kindly provided for by the WRi Group. This presented the opportunity for questions, networking and the exchange of experience.
After lunch the sessions were:
- Case Study: Operation ‘Stamping it Out’ Hallmarking Project – Graham Mogg, Chief Executive WRi Group
- Practical Hallmarking Enforcement – David Sanders, CTSI Lead Office, Hallmarking (and Joint Event Speakers)
- The Touchstone Award – Noel Hunter
Many consider that hallmarking can be a daunting subject due to the technical requirements associated with it. However, this event and its presentations (as well as Operation Stamping It Out) demonstrated the assistance that is available from the WRi Group to Trading Standards services and the technical assistance available from the UK Assay Offices.
It also emphasised that in spite of high-quality domestic craftsmanship in the UK, most items on sale here are imported. Although they avoid import duty, 20 million items from China annually do attract VAT. Market surveillance is vital to protect the industry and avoid the loss of revenues.
The event concluded with a lively exchange of questions and answers, followed by closing remarks from Noel Hunter and Will Evans.
All delegates agreed that the event provided excellent training and support for Trading Standards Officers. Additionally, they were pleased to be able to obtain CPPD points in respect of Hallmarking.
