The British Hallmarking Council was set up under the Hallmarking Act 1973 and came into existence on 1 January 1974. It consists of between sixteen and nineteen members, ten of whom are appointed by The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. Of these, three have to have experience in organisations or activities carried on for the protection of the consumer and four have to be engaged in trading or manufacture of articles of precious metal. The Assay Offices appoint six members, two by the London Assay Office, two by the Birmingham Assay Office and one each by the Sheffield and by the Edinburgh Assay Offices. The Council may co-opt up to two further members. The members hold office for terms of three years. The Assay Masters cannot be Council members, but they have a right to attend and speak at meetings.

The Council elects a Chairman and the present incumbent is Tom Murray, who, as Chairman, has a casting vote in the event of equality of votes at any meeting.