SRINAGAR, July 25, 2025 : In a major crackdown on unfair trade practices, the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, has issued a stern notice to all registered handicraft dealers, directing them to remove machine-made items—mostly imported from Turkey and Iran—from their showrooms within seven days or face deregistration and blacklisting under the J&K Tourist Trade Act, 1978.
The notice, issued via No. H&HD/DDQC/TTA/95/2025, reminds dealers that their registration under the Tourist Trade Act was granted specifically for the sale of authentic Kashmir handicrafts. It states that during recent inspections in city areas like Nishat, Nehru Park, and Munawarabad, multiple dealers were found displaying and selling machine-made products falsely marketed as genuine Kashmiri crafts.
Violation of GI Labeling and Misbranding Norms
The department emphasized that several Kashmiri crafts are registered under the Geographical Indications (GI) Act, and any misbranding—including the use of fake QR codes—is a punishable offense. One dealer was recently blacklisted and deregistered after affixing a fake QR code on a machine-made carpet.
To protect authenticity, the department has mandated GI-based QR labels to be obtained from designated labs like PTQCC, IICT, and the Quality Control Division. Craft dealers have also been instructed to prominently display certification documents at their premises.
Warning of Legal Action
The notice warns that failure to comply with these directives will invite action under the J&K Tourist Trade Act, the GI Act, the Quality Control Act, and provisions of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. Penalties may include blacklisting, deregistration, fines, or other legal measures.
An official spokesman of the department confirmed that penalties have already been imposed on several defaulting dealers and further enforcement will follow if non-compliance continues. “This move is aimed at preserving the integrity of Kashmir’s world-renowned handicrafts and protecting customers from fraud,” he said.
Unregistered Dealers Also Warned
The department has also advised all unregistered dealers and hawkers dealing in Kashmir handicrafts to approach the Quality Control Division immediately for proper registration under the Tourist Trade Act.
