Hallmarking Act, 1981

International hallmarks.

4.—(1) Notwithstanding any enactment passed before the commencement of this Act, an article of precious metal manufactured in the State may, at the option of the sponsor, bear either an international hallmark referred to in section 2 (1) (c) (i) of this Act or a mark referred to in section 2 (1) (a) of this Act, or both.

(2) Notwithstanding any enactment passed before the commencement of this Act, an imported article of precious metal which bears an international hallmark referred to in section 2 (1) (c) (ii) of this Act and which conforms to the Irish standards of fineness shall not require further assaying or hallmarking in the State.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, the Assay Master may at his discretion carry out such random or periodical tests as he thinks necessary or desirable to ensure conformity with the Irish standards of fineness, or to detect forgery.