Export slump, counterfeit carpets take centre stage at CEPC COA meet

New Delhi, Dec 29: Concerns over counterfeit products, falling exports and artisan welfare dominated discussions at a meeting of the Committee of Administration (COA) of the Carpet Export Promotion Council, held in the national capital following the declaration of the council’s election results earlier this month.

A statement said that during the meeting, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, a COA member, congratulated the newly elected CEPC Chairperson, Capt. Mukesh Kumar Gombar and Vice Chairperson Aslam Mahboob, while urging the new leadership to prioritise challenges confronting the handmade and hand-knotted carpet sector, particularly in Kashmir.

Speaking at the meeting held at a hotel in Okhla, Ashiq highlighted the growing threat posed by counterfeit carpets in international markets, alongside a sustained decline in exports from traditional centres. He stressed the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, promotion of geographical indication (GI)-certified carpets, and focused interventions to safeguard artisan livelihoods.

“The survival of Kashmir’s carpet heritage depends on protecting authenticity and ensuring that artisans benefit directly from export growth,” Ashiq said, calling for renewed attention to traditional weaving practices and targeted export promotion initiatives for the region.

Responding to the concerns, Capt. Gombar said the council would work closely with stakeholders to strengthen marketing platforms and reinforce mechanisms to ensure authenticity in handmade carpet exports. He reiterated the CEPC’s commitment to restoring Kashmir’s reputation as a global hub for fine craftsmanship and improving access to international markets.

The meeting was attended by COA members Anil Kumar Singh, Bodh Raj Malhotra, Mehraj Yasin Jan, Mohammad Wasif Ansari, Piyush Kumar Baranwal, Ravi Patodia, Rohit Gupta and Shaukat Khan, with some members joining virtually.

Officials said the council aims to pursue a more inclusive and transparent approach to support growth in the handmade carpet sector, with renewed focus on artisan welfare and export revival in key producing regions, including Jammu and Kashmir.