What they are & legal origin
- GI-tagged: Mysore Silk is a registered Geographical Indication of India; the applicant/proprietor is Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC). GI entry shows status “Registered.”
- GI logo: A distinct Mysore Silk (Logo) is also registered to KSIC, useful for brand/packaging authentication in export retail.
Export snapshot (India → world) for silk & where sarees sit
India does not publish “Mysore-only” export numbers; the most relevant lens is India’s silk & silk products (fabrics/made-ups, sarees, RMG).
- FY24: India’s exports of silk & silk products were US$ 244.27 million. FY25 (Apr–Dec): US$ 215 million. Product mix is led by silk fabrics & made-ups and silk readymade garments.
- Longer-run context (DGCIS via PIB): Silk & silk goods exports rose from ₹1,649.5 cr (2017-18) to ₹2,027.6 cr (2023-24).
HS/ITC-HS you’ll actually file for silk sarees
- 5007 = Woven fabrics of silk/silk waste (GST FAQ confirms “silk sarees → 5007”).
- 50072010 = “Other fabrics, ≥85% silk… : Sarees” (India tariff schedule). This is the go-to line for pure silk sarees.
Why Mysuru (Karnataka) is a reliable source
- Supply base advantage: Karnataka is India’s largest silk-producing state (about 32% of national raw silk in FY24; ~42% of mulberry raw silk).
- Cocoon market next-door: Ramanagara, on the Bengaluru–Mysuru corridor, hosts Asia’s largest silk cocoon market, ensuring steady feedstock and price discovery.
- Mulberry dominance: ~92% of India’s raw silk is mulberry (ideal for fine sarees), aligning with Mysore Silk’s material base.
Quality & construction
- Vertical control: KSIC manages reeling → weaving → finishing; this “under-one-roof” model supports consistent GSM, shade matching, and loom QC.
- Authenticity features (KSIC): every KSIC Mysore Silk saree carries a unique woven/printed code and hologram for traceability.
- Silk purity mark: the Silk Mark (SMOI, Central Silk Board) is India’s official label for 100% natural silk; buyers can verify label serials online.
- Zari: Mysore sarees are renowned for gold/silver zari; multiple reports note ~65% silver and ~0.65% gold composition in KSIC zari* (basis: ToI/fibre2fashion).
*KSIC’s official site states “pure gold zari” but does not publish exact percentages; treat % figures as reported/indicative, not a formal spec. - Handle & look: classic Mysore crepe/Georgette face, lustrous plain-dyed fields with disciplined borders; high-twist yarns and controlled GSM are commonly cited drivers of the signature drape.
Buyer’s checklist
Specs to ask for
- Fabric content: ≥85% natural silk (for 50072010) with Silk Mark label/serial.
- Origin/brand proofs: KSIC invoice + GI mention/logo on packaging (where brand-licensed) and KSIC hologram/unique code on saree.
- Zari declaration: “pure gold/silver zari” with supplier’s test certificate (if percentages are marketed). (Use % only when backed by a lab/brand note.)
Compliance & documentation
- HSN/ITC-HS on export docs: 50072010 – Sarees (silk); description line “Woven silk saree (Mysore Silk/KSIC), Silk Mark certified.”
- Country of origin: “Made in India — Mysuru, Karnataka,” and GI/brand story in product copy for retail channels.
Process controls to verify
- Shade card & lab dip approvals; loom card for border/pallu; GSM and width tolerances; pull-test on zari; finished-goods measurement & defect AQL (e.g., 2.5). (Best practice; align with your standard AQL template.)
Who’s buying
- Silk & silk-product exports are modest but steady; buyers concentrate in US/EU/MENA for apparel/accessories. Fabrics/made-ups lead the category mix, making pure-silk sarees a niche premium SKU in multi-brand ethnic and NRI channels.
At-a-glance strengths vs. generic silk sarees
- Legally protected origin (GI) → clearer brand story & anti-counterfeit angle abroad.
- Traceability (KSIC code + hologram) → retailer-friendly authenticity claims.
- Material purity (Silk Mark) → quick consumer trust for 100% natural silk.
- Proximity to raw material (Ramanagara market) → stable input & pricing cadence.
