SRINAGAR, October 28: The Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC) at the Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar, has significantly expanded its testing capacity for Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products, including Kashmir Pashmina, Kani shawls and Sozni-embroidered handicrafts.
According to the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, the increase reflects improved laboratory infrastructure, upgraded testing facilities and growing demand for authentic GI certification and QR coding.
A department spokesperson said PTQCC conducted 13,369 tests during 2024–25, averaging 40–45 tests daily. The number increased to 22,351 in 2025–26, with daily testing rising to around 75–85 tests.
During the current financial year 2026–27, the centre has already completed approximately 21,000 tests. With another 21,000 tests projected between November 2026 and March 31, 2027, the annual total is expected to reach nearly 42,000, significantly expanding its testing operations.
Advanced Equipment To Improve Testing
To meet the growing demand, the Pashmina laboratory has been equipped with advanced technology, including a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and two high-resolution digital microscopes.
The department is also planning to procure an additional OFDA 2000 fibre analyser and another digital microscope during the current financial year under the CAPEX programme.
These upgrades are expected to improve fibre identification, increase testing accuracy and accelerate the certification process for GI-tagged products.
The spokesperson added that GI-authorised users submitting hand-spun and hand-woven Pashmina products featuring Sozni embroidery are being given preferential treatment.
Online Appointment System In The Pipeline
To improve transparency and streamline the certification process, the department has developed an in-house Online Appointment Token Management System.
The web-based platform, developed by the department's Resource Cell, will manage appointments and operations across its testing laboratories, including the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) and the Quality Control Division (QCD). It is expected to be introduced shortly on a pilot basis.
Technical Training And Additional Staff
The department is also working to strengthen its workforce to operate the upgraded equipment efficiently. Technical staff are being sent to the Wool Research Association (WRA) in Thane, Maharashtra, for specialised training.
The department expects that trained personnel and additional testing teams will help meet the rising demand for GI certification and QR coding following increased awareness campaigns by authorised users.
Officials said the expanded capacity would help authenticate Kashmir's traditional handicrafts, protect the interests of artisans and weavers, and strengthen consumer confidence in genuine GI-tagged products.
Faster and more reliable certification is also expected to benefit exporters and premium domestic markets, where product authenticity plays a crucial role in determining the value of Kashmir Pashmina and other traditional handicrafts.
