What “GI pashmina” means
Kashmir Pashmina is registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) in India. Shawls are tested at the Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre at the Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar, a Government of India lab, before they can carry the GI label.[1][2]
To pass, a shawl must be made from pashmina fibre finer than about 16 microns, hand-spun, and hand-woven.[1][2]
Checking the label
- The GI label is fixed to the shawl so it can't be removed and carries a unique number.[2]
- The number can be checked online and shows who made the shawl.[1]
- The label has security features that show under UV and laser light.[1]
A shawl without a GI label isn't necessarily fake — but only a GI label gives you an independent check. Ask for it, and note the number before you pay.
Questions to ask the shop
- Is it GI-certified, and can I see the label and number?
- Is it hand-spun and hand-woven?
- Is it 100% pashmina, or a blend? What is the blend?
- Can I have a bill that describes the shawl?
Where to buy
Shops that state they sell GI-certified pashmina are marked in Pashmina Shops. For crafts more generally, see Shopping, including the government-run Kashmir Government Arts Emporium.
Sources
- Geographical Indication label on Kashmir Pashmina — kashmirpashminagi.com
- GI Pashmina — Shahkaar (GI authorised seller)
- GI certified Pashmina shawls — Kepra
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