In a much-needed step toward protecting the sanctity of Kashmiri handicrafts, the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, has blacklisted and deregistered The Kashmir Art Bazaar showroom in north Kashmir’s Tangmarg on Tuesday, July 21 for selling a machine-made carpet worth ₹2.55 lakh under the false pretense of it being a genuine hand-knotted, GI-certified Kashmiri carpet. This action not only sends a stern warning to those engaging in fraudulent practices but also reinforces the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Kashmiri art and artisans. Kashmir’s handicrafts—especially hand-knotted carpets, Pashmina shawls, and paper-mâché items—are not just commercial goods but cultural artefacts that reflect centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. These products have earned Geographical Indication (GI) tags precisely to differentiate them from cheap imitations. When a fake is passed off as authentic, it doesn’t just cheat the buyer—it tarnishes the reputation of the entire ecosystem and erodes trust in Kashmir’s artisan economy. The action against the Tangmarg showroom is therefore both timely and essential. In recent years, numerous tourists have fallen prey to unscrupulous traders misrepresenting machine-made goods as handmade, thereby undermining the credibility of Kashmiri crafts in global markets. By blacklisting and deregistering such a business, the Directorate has created a precedent that dishonesty will no longer be tolerated. This step is expected to act as a strong deterrent. Traders who might have been tempted to profit through deception will now think twice before engaging in malpractice. More importantly, it sends a clear signal that the administration is serious about quality control and committed to preserving the dignity of Kashmir’s artisan community. For the thousands of artisans whose livelihoods depend on genuine craftsmanship, this is a boost of confidence. The decision reaffirms that their painstaking labour will not be devalued by counterfeit products. It also gives tourists and buyers a renewed sense of trust in Kashmiri products—especially those bearing GI tags and certification labels. To further institutionalise this protection, the Directorate must expand monitoring mechanisms, promote consumer awareness about GI-certified products, and strictly regulate the use of terms like “handmade” and “authentic.” Training shopkeepers in ethical business practices and involving artisan cooperatives in retail verification can ensure long-term compliance. The crackdown on The Kashmir Art Bazaar is not just punitive—it is corrective and visionary. If sustained with similar actions and public education, it can ensure that Kashmir’s rich craft heritage continues to shine globally, unmarred by forgery and fraud.