Handicraft exporters can now get IEC Code in Srinagar

18 Jul '12

2 min read

In order to boost handicraft exports from Srinagar, a city in the north-Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Government of India has launched import-export facility in the city, which has buoyed up the handicraft exporters and artisans in the state, Muzaffar Ahmad Munshi, Director of the Kashmir Handicrafts Department, said.

The new office has powers to issue Import Export Code (IEC). The IEC is a unique 10 digit code that the Director General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, issues to Indian firms or individuals. It is mandatory for persons and companies, interested in importing or exporting goods in or from the country, to obtain this code.

Launch of the facility in the city, would save handicraft exporters from Srinagar the trouble of going to Jammu to obtain the IE code, Mr. Munshi said.

The city of Srinagar enjoyed the facility prior to 1990s, but then following some law and order issues and military emergency in the state during early 90s, the office was shifted to Jammu, he added.

Handicraft artisans from Srinagar and nearby areas, who ship their handicraft items to various European countries, expressed delight over the development as it would help them to boost their sales in overseas markets.

Shawls, carpets and silk products are some of the prominent traditional handicraft items of Kashmir.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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