Handicrafts Deptt warns copper dealers

Srinagar, Dec 28: The Department of Handicrafts conducted a special inspection drive of copper manufacturing units and establishments operating in various areas of Srinagar City on Sunday to check adherence to laws prohibiting machine-made copperware from being passed off as handcrafted products.

A statement said that the inspections, carried out along with representatives of the Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union, covered units in Solina, Rambagh Nowgam, Natipopra and Habbakadal areas to enforce the Jammu and Kashmir Prohibition on Manufacture of Specified Copper Utensils (By Machine) Act 2006 and stop the misbranding of machine-made specified copper utensils, which is affecting the livelihood of handicraft workers engaged in handmade production of copper utensils.

During the course of inspection, dealers and manufacturers found violating the norms of the Act were warned of serious consequences if they continued the illegal and prohibited machine manufacturing of specified copperware items.

The dealers were also warned of serious legal consequences they may face if they indulge in the misbranding of specified copperware items. All the dealers and manufacturers have assured their full support with the ongoing efforts of the department to stop the misbranding of notified craft products.

Under the provisions of the Act, there is a complete prohibition on the manufacturing by machine of 24 specified copper utensils in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The department has initiated various steps to safeguard the interests of artisans manufacturing copperware items by hand. It has launched an ambitious program of QR-based labelling of copperware items to ensure the certification and authenticity of handmade copperware products. Any customer can know about the origin and mode of manufacture of the product by simply scanning the QR label pasted on it. The teams of the Quality Control division visit business locations for the labelling of handmade copperware items, and the facility is being provided to copperware artisans at their doorsteps.

Warning to Dealers

Through this release, all copperware dealers have been informed that they should carry on their business of the notified copperware items in accordance with the provisions of the Act, and they shall invariably refrain from misbranding of machine-made copperware items. They shall ensure QR-based labelling of every notified craft product.

In case of any violations of the standing instructions, the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir shall initiate necessary penal action against defaulting dealers in accordance with the penal provisions of the Act, which include confiscation and seizure of the specified machine-made copperware products, sealing of the manufacturing unit or establishment and initiation of legal proceedings.