SRINAGAR: In a major push to safeguard the authenticity of traditional crafts, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has enabled QR code-based GI labelling for handicrafts, with around 70,000 handmade products already tested and certified, allowing buyers to verify genuineness in real time.
Replying to Un-Starred Assembly Question tabled by MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the Industries and Commerce Department said the QR-based system allows customers to scan labels using smartphones to instantly access product details and confirm authenticity at the point of sale. The initiative is aimed at curbing the growing menace of fake and misbranded products in the market.
The department said Geographical Indication (GI) registration has already been secured for 18 traditional crafts across Jammu and Kashmir, including 15 from Kashmir and three from Jammu. These include prominent crafts such as Kashmir Hand-Knotted Carpet, Pashmina, Sozni, Papier-Mache, Kani Shawl, Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, Crewel, Namda, Gabba, Chainstitch, Wagguv, Kashmir Tweed, Shikara, Bat, Basholi Pashmina, Basholi Painting and Rajouri Chikri Wood.
At present, certification and GI labelling mechanisms have been operationalised for seven crafts through testing facilities such as the Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre and the Carpet Testing Laboratory at the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology in Srinagar.
The government acknowledged that misbranding of handicrafts and sale of lookalike products has emerged as a major challenge, affecting consumer trust and the reputation of genuine Kashmiri products. To address this, enforcement is being carried out under multiple laws, including the Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts Quality Control Act, 1978.
Inspection teams have been deployed to conduct regular checks in tourist areas and city centres, with penalties imposed on violators. Over the past three years, fines amounting to Rs 11,51,095 in 2025–26, Rs 12,09,505 in 2024–25 and Rs 90,000 in 2023–24 have been levied in the Kashmir division alone.
The department also said that a grievance redressal mechanism is in place to address tourist complaints related to fake products, with prompt action taken in such cases.
To further strengthen the system, additional high-end machines and equipment have been procured to upgrade existing testing laboratories, which is expected to increase daily testing capacity and reduce waiting time for artisans and authorised users.
Officials said the combination of GI tagging, QR-based verification and enforcement measures is expected to enhance consumer confidence, protect artisans and ensure the global credibility of Jammu and Kashmir’s traditional handicrafts.
