Srinagar: In a decisive move to curb the growing menace of counterfeit crafts, the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, has issued a sweeping directive to all registered handicraft dealers, warning them to “exclusively display and sell genuine Kashmir handicraft products” or face strict legal action, including blacklisting and deregistration.
Addressing the dealers, the notice reads that, “you have been granted registration under the provisions of the Jammu & Kashmir Tourist Trade Act, 1978, for the sale of handicraft products at your respective showrooms/outlets. As part of the registration process, you submitted a duly-sworn affidavit, wherein you undertook to exclusively display and sell genuine Kashmir handicraft products at your business establishment.”
It added under “Violation of Rules” section that during recent inspections conducted by this office, it was found that several dealers have violated the extant rules by displaying and selling machine-made products misrepresented as genuine Kashmiri handmade handicrafts. Such malpractices undermine the authenticity and reputation of Kashmiri handicrafts.
Further, under G.I. labelling and misbranding concerns section, it reads that Kashmir handicrafts are registered under the Geographical Indication of Goods Act (G.I.), Registry of India, Chennai, to protect their authenticity. To curb misbranding and promote genuine products, the department has introduced G.I. labelling for various crafts. However, it has come to our notice that a dealer recently affixed a fake QR label on a machine-made carpet, misrepresenting it as a genuine handmade product. Consequently, the said dealer has been blacklisted and deregistered.
As per the notice, all the registered dealers are directed to ensure within seven (7) 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.
Ensure all relevant documents, including G.I. labelling certifications, are prominently displayed at your showroom for inspection and sale purposes.
It reads that machine-made products are banned from being sold or displayed in Kashmir handicraft showrooms registered under handicraft or handloom categories, & any violation & misbranding including by way of pasting fake QR codes and pulling out the machine-made labels shall attract relevant clauses/provisions of the Quality Control Act, J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, GI Act as well as the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.
It warned of consequences of non-compliance. it reads that failure to comply with this directive within the stipulated period will result in appropriate action under the provisions of the J&K Tourist Trade Act, 1978, including potential penalties, deregistration, blacklisting or other legal measures as deemed necessary.
Furthermore, it advised 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 of their establishment under the J&K Registration of Tourist Trade act, 1978.
“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. Further, they shall modify SIGNAGES of their showrooms by prominently displaying that they only sell Kashmir Handicrafts and DO NOT deal in Machine-Made products.” It reads.
