Kashmir Chamber Of Commerce To Address Counterfeit Handicraft Sales

Srinagar, Aug 13 (KNN) The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced plans to combat the sale of machine-made products falsely marketed as handcrafted items in Kashmir.

This decision comes in response to reports from tourists who were misled by shopkeepers selling counterfeit handicrafts.

KCCI President Javaid Tenga emphasised the importance of protecting Kashmir's 600-year-old handicraft tradition, stating, "We will not allow anyone to bring a bad name to the whole industry."

The organisation expressed concern that these deceptive practices not only tarnish Kashmir's reputation but also harm legitimate artisans and traders.

The issue is complicated by the limitations of current Geographical Indication (GI) tagging.

Tenga explained that GI tags are only applied to specific hand-spun and hand-woven products, leaving many handicrafts vulnerable to imitation.

Kashmiri carpets have been particularly affected by this trend. KCCI members reported that some traders are attaching hand-made fringes to machine-made carpets to deceive buyers. This has led to a significant decline in authentic Kashmiri carpet sales.

In response, the KCCI plans to form a team to inspect shops and verify product authenticity.

While not opposed to the sale of machine-made items, the organisation insists on accurate labelling and representation of products.

The KCCI called for government intervention, suggesting strict penalties and blacklisting for traders engaged in fraudulent practices.

They also emphasised the economic importance of the handicraft sector, which provides employment across various segments of Kashmiri society.

The chamber warned that continued deception could further erode tourist confidence, particularly among international visitors.

To address this, the KCCI urged shopkeepers to implement proper product tagging and threatened to publicly expose repeat offenders.

This initiative aims to preserve the integrity of Kashmir's renowned handicraft industry and protect both artisans and consumers from fraudulent practices.

(KNN Bureau)