Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Fake Handicrafts Threaten Kashmir's Artisan Economy
Some people are selling fake versions of Kashmiri crafts, like carpets and shawls, pretending they are handmade.
This hurts the real craftspeople who make these items by hand.
The government is trying to stop this by giving special labels (GI status) to genuine products, so people can tell the difference.
Officials are also asking tourists to report if they are sold fake items.
This is happening because fake goods are cheaper to make and can trick people into buying them, which takes away business from the real artisans.
Directorate of Handicrafts deregistered a showroom for selling fake products.
Machine-made crafts are often sold as Kashmiri handicrafts.
Counterfeit sales undermine the credibility of authentic artisans.
Government granted GI status to eight more Kashmiri products in April 2025.
Officials urged tourists to report suspected counterfeit items.
- Who
- Showroom owners selling fake products, Kashmiri artisans, and the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom.
- What
- Fake handicrafts are being sold as authentic Kashmiri products.
- When
- The Directorate of Handicrafts took action on July 22, 2025 and the article was published on July 23, 2025.
- Where
- Kashmir
- Why
- To protect the livelihood of Kashmiri artisans and maintain the authenticity of their crafts.
Artisans
Showroom Owners
Impact on Livelihood
Artisans
Concerned about loss of livelihood.
Showroom Owners
Those selling fake products are making unfair profits.
- Event Date
- July 22, 2025 (Directorate Action)
- Publication Date
- July 23, 2025
- GI Status Granted
- April 2025
- Affected Crafts
- Shawls, carpets, papier-mâché products
- Showroom Action
- Deregistered for selling fake products