Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Labour and Employment, inaugurated the Pashmina Certification Centre (PCC) at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, providing a significant boost to the ‘Atamnirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative. The first unique ID barcode was tagged during the inauguration event, and the PCC certificate was issued.
The PCC, established as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between WII and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) in New Delhi on January 5th, 2023, aims to streamline the Pashmina trade and ensure the certification of genuine Pashmina products free from prohibited fibers. This one-stop testing facility will benefit manufacturers, exporters, and traders associated with the Pashmina trade.
One of the main objectives of the PCC is to provide a hassle-free movement of Pashmina products from India by certifying their purity and confirming the absence of prohibited fibers. By labeling all tested products with a traceable unique ID tag and issuing individual e-certificates, the PCC enables seamless trade of these products in both national and international markets. The absence of such a facility in the country had previously caused delays in product clearance and resulted in financial losses for exporters and traders due to scrutiny at the country's exit points.
The establishment of the PCC at WII, Dehradun, marks a significant milestone for the Pashmina industry. This facility will support honest exporters and traders dealing in genuine Pashmina products, providing them with authentic certification and helping them navigate the challenges of the trade. Furthermore, the PCC will play a crucial role in boosting the livelihoods of artisans and weavers in Jammu & Kashmir, where Pashmina is a major source of income.
The PCC operates on a Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) model, aligning with the Central Government's policy. By incorporating advanced technologies into a single facility, the PCC offers comprehensive testing procedures for Pashmina products. This self-sustaining facility generates revenue for the government organization while providing essential support to exporters and traders on a payment basis. Additionally, the establishment of the PCC has created employment opportunities for aspiring professionals under the PPP model.
The certification provided by the PCC holds immense national and international importance. Buyers can now procure authenticated and certified Pashmina products, ensuring their quality and genuineness. This will not only boost revenue generation for the country but also protect the artisans and weaver community from potential smuggling and unauthorized exports of mixed wool under misleading labels.
Moreover, the PCC's certification process discourages the use of prohibited fibers, leading to the conservation of Chiru, a species whose habitat is impacted by the illicit trade of Pashmina. This initiative further emphasizes the government's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable trade practices.
