Dealer Deregistered, Others Given 7 Days to Comply
AZHAR HUSSIAN
SRINAGAR, July 25: In a decisive move to safeguard the legacy and authenticity of Kashmir’s world-renowned handicrafts, the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, has issued a notice to all registered dealers, cautioning them against unethical practices and reinforcing compliance henceforth.
The notice has been issued under the Jammu and Kashmir Tourist Trade Act, 1978, the G.I. Act of 1999, and other related legal provisions.
The notice, issued by the Quality Control Division of the department, a copy of which is in possession of Kashmir Despatch comes in response to disturbing findings during recent inspections, which revealed that several dealers were selling machine-made products misrepresented as genuine Kashmiri handmade crafts.
“The registration under the Tourist Trade Act mandates that dealers submit a sworn affidavit committing to the exclusive display and sale of authentic Kashmiri handicrafts at their business premises. However, the inspections unearthed blatant violations of this commitment, with certain dealers found promoting machine-made items as handmade Kashmiri goods — an act that not only deceives buyers but also severely tarnishes the global reputation of Kashmir’s handicraft industry,” the notice reads.
The department has already initiated punitive action against some of the defaulting dealers, it disclosed, adding that one such case, which has particularly alarmed authorities, involved a dealer from Tangmarg who affixed a fake QR code to a machine-made carpet, fraudulently selling it as a genuine handmade product. This deliberate act of misrepresentation led to the immediate blacklisting and deregistration of the said dealer, marking a strong signal to others engaging in similar malpractices.
To counter the growing concerns of misbranding and fake labelling, the Directorate emphasized that Kashmir’s handicrafts are registered under the Geographical Indication (G.I.) Registry of India, Chennai — a certification system introduced to protect the authenticity and uniqueness of the region’s traditional crafts. In light of increasing instances of counterfeit labelling, the department has reiterated that only properly G.I.-certified products should be sold in registered showrooms, and any attempt to paste fake QR codes or labels on machine-made goods will invite action under multiple laws, including the Quality Control Act, the J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, the G.I. Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Taking a firm stand, the Directorate has directed all registered dealers to ensure full compliance within a period of seven days from the date of issuance of the notice. Dealers must make certain that their showrooms exclusively display and sell genuine Kashmir handicrafts, with no machine-made products present at all. Furthermore, all relevant documentation, including G.I. certifications, must be prominently displayed for inspection and sale verification.
The notice also made it unequivocally clear that machine-made products are strictly prohibited in any showroom registered under the handicrafts or handloom category. Any attempt to violate this ban — including relabelling, fake certification, or misrepresentation — will result in harsh legal action.
Dealers have also been instructed to revise their showroom signage to clearly declare that they deal exclusively in Kashmir Handicrafts and do not trade in machine-made goods. The move is intended not only to ensure transparency for customers but also to reinforce public trust in the region’s artisan products.
In addition to registered sellers, the Directorate has issued an advisory for all unregistered dealers and hawkers involved in the business of Kashmir handicrafts. These individuals have been asked to approach the Quality Control Division immediately to get their establishments registered under the J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1978.
By issuing this strong directive, the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, aims to preserve the integrity of the region’s rich artisanal tradition, which has been threatened in recent years by mass-produced counterfeits, said Sheikh Ashiq, former president of Kashmir Chamber and Commerce Industry (KCCI). He added that with blacklisting, deregistration, and further legal action on the table for violators, the government has made it clear that protecting the legacy of Kashmir’s handicrafts is a non-negotiable priority.
