Updated: added Providing better information and protection for consumers policy tag
The act is affected by European Court of Justice rulings which permit equivalent EU hallmarks to be recognised throughout the EU.
The UK is also a member of the International Convention on Hallmarking meaning that UK assay offices can mark and UK retailers will accept a Common Control Mark that is struck by all convention countries.
The act has been updated several times since 1973 on advice of the British Hallmarking Council.