With tourist inflow increasing following the advent of summer season, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, has upped the ante in its fight against sale of unlabeled counterfeit products sold in the name of genuine hand-made products in Kashmir.

The Quality Control Division of the Department conducted several inspections of craft showrooms in City Centre here, advising dealers to desist from selling machine-made items in the garb of genuine handmade products.

In an official press release issued here today, Deputy Director, Quality Control, Mirza Shahid Ali, said the Department will further intensify its ongoing drives and ensure that buyers and tourists are sold certified hand-made products in various sale outlets in the capital city and routes leading to famous tourist destinations of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, that attract a heavy footfall. “Inspection Squads have been placed on duty to regularly check sale and purchase of genuine hand-made products,” he added.

He further stated that Government shall exercise zero-tolerance towards sale of counterfeit products in the name of Kashmir Handicrafts and anyone found misbranding notified products would be dealt under the Quality Control Act that includes stiff penalties and cancellation of registration,” he added.

An advisory has already been issued impressing upon tourists and buyers to approach the Department in case they feel they have been duped and sold counterfeit products. The Department has also urged business stakeholders to get their hand-made products tested and certified at Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre, CDI and IICT lab, to ensure customer satisfaction and safeguarding the rich heritage of Kashmir.