Onlykashmir.in News Desk
New Delhi, June 6: The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) has called for strict action against the growing practice of machine made carpets being sold and marketed as handmade products in handicraft showrooms and retail outlets across the country.
The issue was discussed in detail during the CEPC Committee of Administration meeting held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of CEPC Chairman Mukesh Kumar Gombar. The meeting focused on measures to safeguard India’s handmade carpet industry and protect the interests of artisans, weavers, exporters and other stakeholders.
CEPC COA Member Sheikh Ashiq strongly raised the issue, stating that handmade carpets possess a distinct identity, value and classification, including a separate HSN code, and cannot be replaced or misrepresented by machine made products. He said such practices not only cause business losses but also threaten the livelihoods of thousands of artisans and weaver families.
The meeting noted that buyers visiting Kashmir and other handicraft markets often seek genuine handmade carpets but are sometimes sold machine made carpets under the guise of handmade products. This has adversely affected the sale of authentic handmade carpets, leaving large stocks unsold and creating hardships for artisans.
Sheikh Ashiq urged both the Central Government and the Jammu and Kashmir Government to take firm action against such misrepresentation in showrooms and retail outlets nationwide. He emphasized that protecting the handmade carpet sector is essential for preserving the livelihoods of artisans as well as Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.
Participants also stressed the need for greater awareness about GI labels, certification and proper identification of genuine handmade carpets. They said wider promotion of GI certified products would help consumers distinguish authentic handmade carpets from machine made alternatives.
Chairman Mukesh Kumar Gombar reiterated CEPC’s commitment to protecting and promoting India’s handmade carpet industry through transparency, strict monitoring, certification and coordinated efforts among government agencies, exporters, retailers and artisan groups.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to prepare a comprehensive roadmap aimed at strengthening the handmade carpet sector through stricter enforcement, GI labeling, certification and stronger safeguards against unfair trade practices.
