J&K cracks down on machine-made Kashmiri handicrafts

Acting tough against fake Kashmiri handicrafts products, Jammu and Kashmir’s Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, on Friday asked the dealers to remove machine-made items from their showrooms in the Valley.

The department has warned firms that they would be blacklisted and deregistered for unfair trade practices if they fail to act on the directions.

A notice issued by Deputy Director (Quality Control), Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, comes as the department during recent inspections conducted by the office “found that several dealers have violated the extant rules by displaying and selling machine-made products misrepresented as genuine Kashmir handmade handicrafts.”

“Such malpractices undermine the authenticity and reputation of Kashmiri handicrafts,” it said. Officials said after the violations, penalties has been imposed on defaulting dealers.

It also said that to curb misbranding and promote genuine products, the department has introduced G.I. labelling for various crafts.

However, a dealer recently affixed a fake QR label on a machine-made carpet, misrepresenting it as a genuine handmade product and consequently, the dealer has been blacklisted and deregistered, the department said.

In the notice, the department asked dealers to ensure within seven days from the issuance of this notice that “your showroom exclusively displays and sells genuine Kashmir handicraft products and that no machine-made products are displayed or sold.” Asking dealers to “ensure all relevant documents, including G.I. labelling certifications, are prominently displayed at your showroom for inspection and sale purposes,” the department said machine-made products are “banned from being sold or displayed in Kashmir handicraft showrooms registered under handicraft or handloom categories.” It said any violation and misbranding including by way of pasting fake QR codes and pulling out the machine-made labels shall attract action.

The department, if dealers fail to comply with this directive within the stipulated period, will take appropriate action including potential penalties, deregistration, blacklisting or other legal measures as deemed necessary.

The notice has also asked all unregistered dealers/ hawkers dealing in the business of Kashmir handicrafts to immediately approach the Quality Control Division of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department for registration.

Dealers are advised to strictly adhere to the terms of their registration and G.I. regulations to uphold the integrity of Kashmir handicrafts and avoid further action, it said.

“Further, they shall modify signage of their showrooms by prominently displaying that they only sell Kashmir handicrafts and do not deal in machine-made products,” the department added.