European assayers follow bullion traditions based in hallmarking regulations. The council has made many important contributions concerning UK hallmarking procedures. Platinum was brought within the Hallmarking Act 1973. The BIS system of hallmarking of gold jewellery began in April 2000. In 1992, the European Commission proposed a Directive meant to cover hallmarking. With the introduction of Federal hallmarking laws starting in 1881, increased uniformity was established. The hallmarking of other items including silverware and jewelry is optional. Swiss hallmarking for other articles such as jewelry and cutlery is optional. This means that re-finishing of the article is required after hallmarking. Hallmarking is Europe's earliest form of consumer protection. The Hallmarking Act was amended in July 2009 to include palladium from January 2010. Before that time, hallmarking was undertaken at the local level by the Swiss cantons. From the Late Middle Ages, hallmarking was administered by local governments through authorized assayers. Therefore, hallmarking is generally done before the piece goes for its final polishing.