GI Pashmina

World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) defines GI as follows:

“A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place. In addition, the qualities, characteristics or reputation of the product should be essentially due to the place of origin. Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a clear link between the product and its original place of production. A geographical indication right enables those who have the right to use the indication to prevent its use by a third party whose product does not conform to the applicable standards.”

In order to identify & protect the goods unique to a geographical location; India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 has come into force with effect from 15th September 2003.

Kashmir Pashmina Shawl making is rooted in the valley of Kashmir, where artisans follow age old processes and techniques, together with the positive impact of natural environment; water, climate etc.

Kashmir Pashmina or Cashmere, therefore has no competition around the world owing to its geographical origin & unique methods of making. Therefore “Kashmir Pashmina” has been registered under Geographical Indications registry of India.

For identification of a genuine Kashmir Pashmina Shawl or Cashmere, a label has been developed by the Craft Development Institute (CDI) along with Tahafuz - a society dedicated to artisan welfare and Govt. of India have developed a label for identification of Handspun & Handwoven Pashmina. The label is non-imitable and non-removable containing a numerical code which can be verified online on http://www.kashmirpashmina.secure-ga.com/

 The aim of the Kashmir Pashmina GI Label is to:

• Identify genuine Pashmina Shawls and and authorise there authenticity to the customers/buyers.
• Secure the livelihood of artisan community, majority of whom are female widows.
• Promote and support the art of Handicrafts.

The GI labeling or certification is done by Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC), Craft Development Institute (CDI) which is a Government of India owned & managed lab. The labeling is done after proper testing & technical examination of every single pashmina shawl.

For passing the testing & technical examination, the pashmina shawl should have the following characteristics:

1) Pashmina wool should be of the finest quality which is obtained from Ladakh and fibre should have diameter of less than 16 micron.
2) Spinning of the Pashmina wool should be done by hand. i.e., Handspun.
3) Weaving of the Pashmina Shawl should be done on a traditional wooden handloom.

To Summarize, a GI certified Pashmina Shawl is made of finest quality pashmina wool obtained from ladakh. The fibre is Handspun and the shawl is woven on a traditional Wooden Handloom.

More details about Kashmir Pashmina Geographical Indication (GI) can be found here.

To know about the technical aspects & quality of Pashmina Shawls made either using handspun or machine spun pashmina yarns, click here.

To have a look at our collection of GI Certified Pashmina Shawls & Scarves by clicking here.