GI Pashmina Shawls

What is GI Pashmina ?

Geographical Indication (GI) is one such mark.  It is a sign used on the products that have a specific geographical origin or location and possess qualities/ reputation that are due to that origin or locality. Any association of persons, or producers established by or under the  law or any act having the force of law can become a registered proprietor provided their name is entered in the Register of Geographical Indications as registered proprietor for the GI applied for by them.

In Jammu and Kashmir an autonomous institute of  Craft Development Institute at Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan, Nowshera, Srinagar established in 2/2004 facilitates, inter alia, the accord of GI marks. The velvety touch and queenly look Kashmir pashmina tops the handicrafts trade. Kashmir Pashmina has been registered under the Geographical Indication category of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999 of India under Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement of World Trade Organisation (15-4-1994). Pashmina shawls are to pass various tests at the state-of-the-art laboratory at CDI Nowshera. Shawls which  satisfy quality control parameters are geographically indexed and labeled properly to make the buyers aware of the product being of genuine Kashmir handicraft pashmina. GI specifies  that it is (i) made of  100 percent fibres  having fineness of below 16 microns and obtained from the under fleece of the mountain goat 'Capra Hiracus', (ii) hand spun on traditional wheel 'charkha' (Yeinder in Kashmiri), and (iii) a hand woven fabric by the Artisans of Kashmir.

The 2.5 centimeters eight digit alphanumeric Secured Fusion Authentication Label, issued on payment, is used for certification of genuine Kashmir pashmina. It is non-removable after placement, tamper/wash/ dry proof, and easily verifiable. Each label has an overt information readable under ultra-violet light and a covert information containing a unique number for tracking and record. It is inimitable with invisible Nano Particles known as micro-tangent detectable under Infra-red light verifiable at http://www.kashmirpashmina.secure-ga.com/ There are least chances of misplacements of  GI marked merchandise which pass through different hands/processes/places etc, before becoming saleable unlike non-GI products which can mix and mingle never to get identified and recovered.