In a troubling development that casts a shadow over the integrity of India’s traditional craft sector, the recent exposure of fake QR codes used to pass off machine-made carpets as authentic GI-certified Kashmiri hand-knotted pieces has sent shockwaves through the artisan and consumer communities alike. The case involving a Tangmarg-based craft dealer, who was blacklisted and deregistered for fraudulently selling a mass-produced carpet under the guise of a Geographical Indication (GI) label, underscores a growing crisis in the world of heritage commerce — a crisis rooted in the erosion of authenticity and trust.
The incident, brought to light by a tourist who paid ₹2.55 lakh for what was falsely claimed to be a handmade, GI-certified carpet, is more than a case of consumer deception. It is a direct threat to the livelihoods of thousands of Kashmiri artisans whose skills, passed down through generations, are now being undermined by counterfeit practices. The fake QR code, designed to mimic the certification issued by the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), not only duped the buyer but also called into question the reliability of a system meant to protect both consumers and craftsmen. GI tags are a vital tool in preserving and promoting India’s rich craft heritage. They offer traceability, recognition, and legal protection to artisans while assuring buyers of the authenticity of their purchases. But the misuse of these labels—especially through digital means—reveals alarming vulnerabilities in the current enforcement framework. The fact that such a scam could occur under the cover of an official-looking certification highlights the need for immediate reforms and greater oversight in the certification and verification process. The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, must be commended for responding swiftly to the complaint, seizing the product, verifying the forgery with IICT, and initiating legal proceedings under the GI Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This decisive action sends a clear message to fraudulent traders: attempts to exploit the GI system for personal gain will not be tolerated. However, this case should not be viewed in isolation. It must serve as a catalyst for wider systemic changes aimed at protecting India’s artisanal economy from the growing menace of counterfeiting. One of the urgent needs is to strengthen the digital infrastructure that underpins GI verification. QR codes, while useful, are only as effective as the integrity of the system that generates and monitors them. A national database of GI-certified products, real-time verification tools for consumers, and periodic audits of registered sellers are necessary steps to plug the gaps. Furthermore, greater collaboration between certification authorities, law enforcement agencies, and consumer rights bodies is essential to dismantle the networks involved in such deceptive practices. Equally critical is the role of consumer awareness. Many tourists and buyers remain unaware of how to verify GI tags or distinguish between handmade and machine-made products. A robust awareness campaign — both online and on the ground—is needed to educate buyers about the significance of GI certification and how to verify it before making high-value purchases. Empowered consumers are the first line of defense against counterfeit goods. For the artisans of Kashmir and other craft-rich regions of India, the misuse of GI labels is a betrayal of their heritage. Their work, often painstakingly created over months, deserves not just admiration but also protection from those who seek to exploit its value. When fake products enter the market, they dilute the reputation of genuine crafts and threaten the economic viability of the traditional sector.
This crisis of authenticity is a wake-up call. If India truly wishes to preserve and promote its artisanal legacy on the global stage, it must take urgent and comprehensive measures to uphold the credibility of its certification systems. Otherwise, we risk turning our proud cultural symbols into commercial liabilities. The QR code scam in Tangmarg is not just a case of fraud — it is a warning about what happens when the guardians of heritage let their guard down. It is now up to the authorities, consumers, and the craft community to ensure that authenticity is not just a label, but a lived reality—protected, preserved, and passed on with pride.