What they are & where they come from

• Dokra (Bikna–Dariapur cluster): non-ferrous lost-wax (cire perdue) casting; wax threads/lattice wrapped on a clay core → burnt out → brass poured → single-use mould = one-of-a-kind piece with signature corded lines. The technique and surface idiom are well documented by MAP Academy; recent field studies focus on Bikna (Bankura).
  
• Terracotta (Panchmura, Bankura): hand-modelled/fettled earthenware, fired to ~900–1,100 °C; iconic product is the long-necked Bankura horse, historically ritual, now India’s handicrafts icon.
  

Protected origin (GI) & provenance signals

• Bengal Dokra — GI Application #563, status: Registered (authorised users include Bikna (Bankura) and Dariapur). Use GI logo + AU details where co-branding.
  
• Bankura Panchmura Terracotta Craft — GI Application #453, Registered; the horse form is the flagship.
  

Region-specific strengths

• Stylistic DNA (Dokra): pronounced wax-thread spirals, lattice/openwork, pellet granulation—strong visual identity; Bikna/Dariapur documented as long-standing nuclei of the craft.
  
• Bankura terracotta horse: instantly recognizable elongated neck, upright ears, segmented hollow construction (assembled parts) and warm red body from local firings; the horse is the logo of All India Handicrafts and a district emblem.
  
• Process know-how (Terracotta): local kiln types (Sheuna/Berasal poan); 10–15 days (up to a month) firing cycle for larger batches—important for lead times.
  

Export classification

• Dokra (brass ornaments/statues) → HS 8306 “statuettes and other ornaments, of base metal” (non-electric bells/gongs & frames also sit here).
  
• Terracotta sculptural decor → HS 6913 “statuettes and other ornamental ceramic articles” (6913.90 for non-porcelain).
  
• (Only use HS 9703 “original sculpture” for fine-art pieces meeting customs’ art criteria—uncommon for commercial handicrafts.)
  

India export picture

• HS 8306 (base-metal ornaments incl. Dokra) — India exported ~US$239 m; top buyers: USA (~US$117 m), Germany (~US$28.1 m), Netherlands (~US$16.3 m).
  
• HS 6913 (ornamental ceramics incl. terracotta decor) — India exported ~US$15.6 m (all 6913; “not-porcelain” subset ~US$13.3 m).
  

Quality markers & what to spec

Dokra (Bikna/Dariapur)

• Alloy & safety: declare brass composition; avoid scrap with high heavy-metal content. If any skin-contact/wearable (key fobs, jewellery), require EU REACH Annex XVII compliance:
  
  • Lead in jewellery <0.05%; also applies to articles that can be mouthed by children.
    
  • Cadmium in jewellery <0.01%.
    
  • Nickel release (if plated parts in skin contact): ≤0.5 µg/cm²/week (EN 1811; pass if ≤0.88 after 2023 update).
    
• Build & finish: specify minimum wire/filigree density, smooth solder junctions, uniform patina (antique/oxidized or brushed), felt pads on bases for surfaces. (Process norms in Bankura/Bengal Dokra case studies.)
  

Terracotta (Panchmura)

• Body & firing: require even firing (no black core), clean vents in hollow forms, no cracks; Bankura firing bands ~900–1,100 °C inform material/packaging choices.
  
• Surface: uniform red body; decoration integral (slip/clay colour), not flaking paint.
  
• If any food-contact (bowls/plates): test Pb/Cd migration per EU 84/500/EEC as amended by 2005/31/EC (ceramic FCM). (Most Bankura sculptures are non-food articles; skip if purely decorative.)
  

What to write into your RFQs/POs

A. Dokra (Bengal) — Bikna/Dariapur (GI #563)

• Material: Brass; declare alloy; lead <0.05% (if jewellery/skin-contact) & cadmium <0.01% per REACH; nickel-release where applicable.
  
• Make: lost-wax hand casting; single-use mould; finishing = [oxidized/brushed]; base protection pads.
  
• Dimensions/weight: ±5–10% (handmade variance).
  
• Docs: GI mention (“Bengal Dokra”), Authorized-User ID if GI logo used; HS 8306 on invoice.
  

B. Terracotta — Bankura Panchmura (GI #453)

• Body: earthenware terracotta; hollow Bankura horse (segmented construction).
  
• Firing: 900–1,100 °C target; no cracks/warping; even tone.
  
• Finish: natural/clay-coloured; if any glaze/paint, disclose chemistry and (for food-contact) test to 84/500/EEC.
  
• Docs: GI mention “Bankura Panchmura Terracotta Craft” + AU ID; HS 6913.90.
  

Packaging & transit (fragile category best-practice)

• For both categories—especially terracotta—validate shippers with ISTA 3A (parcel simulation: drop, vibration; ≤68 kg packs) or ISTA 1A for basic integrity.
  
• Use double-boxing, foam-in-place or die-cut EPS, and do not let parts touch inside the inner pack (Bankura horse ships as multiple parts).
  

Cluster contacts & institutional touchpoints

• Bankura District (Govt. of West Bengal) overview page lists Terracotta at Panchmura and Dokra at Bikna; good entry point for field sourcing.
  
• WBKVIB (Khadi & Village Industries Board) notes ~270 terracotta artists at Panchmura.
  
• GI portals (state & national) list authorised users for both GIs—use these for provenance/traceability in POs.