This is Kashmir’s signature painted craft—hand-built forms in paper pulp, then hand-painted (Naqashi) and lacquered. Below you’ll find what’s legally “authentic,” how to spec and test it, which HS codes to ship under, and where demand sits—using official GI and government sources.

What the GI covers

• GI title & number: Kashmir Paper Machie is a registered Geographical Indication (GI No. 181; Certificate No. 161; Classes 16 & 20). The GI’s Quality Manual spells out materials, process and labelling rules. Only goods meeting these specs can carry the GI label.
  
• Core GI specs (extract): Base made of paper pulp/paperboard/light wood, coated with two layers of gesso (gacch), hand-painted by traditional Naqashi with Kashmiri motifs, may include metallic gold/silver; painting may be flat or embossed. Finished goods are tested and then sealed with a QR-coded, “break-to-remove” GI label.
  
• Enforcement & labelling: Testing/certification is coordinated by Craft Development Institute (CDI) with the Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC) as lab partner; authorized users are empaneled and items are mapped by unique label IDs.

Region & technique: why India’s make is distinct

• Where/how it’s made: Kashmir Valley (Srinagar & surrounding clusters). Craft process has two classic stages—Sakhtsazi (form-making in pulp) and Naqashi (hand-painting & lacquer).
  
• Design language: Persian-inflected florals (chinar leaf, vines, roses), birds and medallions are typical.
  

Sub-categories 

• Decorative Boxes & Trays – Everyday giftable SKUs; confirm base (pulp/paperboard/light wood), layering (gacch x2), lacquer route, and GI label.
  
• Ornaments & Miniatures – Lighter forms; specify hook/loop strength, drop/rub expectations for coatings; keep away from “toy” positioning unless you complete toy-safety tests (see §6).
  
• Vases, Wall Plates & Bowls – Wall-mount sleeves/plate hangers; confirm embossed vs flat Naqashi and metallic (gold/silver) paint use where desired.
  
• Custom Motif Collections – Chinar/paisley/bird stories for retail/hospitality; lock artwork approvals against GI motifs guidance.
  

HS anchors & market signals

• HS you’ll quote (global): HS 4823.90 (Other articles of paper pulp, paper or paperboard). Many destinations treat papier-mâché under 4823.90.20 – Articles of papier-mâché; in the US that’s HTS 4823.90.2000.
  
• India references: Indian drawback/tariff lines also cite papier-mâché handicrafts under 4823.90 (e.g., “decorative handicraft articles… of papier mache”). Use this as your HS anchor on commercial docs.
  
• Craft-specific value signals (J&K official/media):
  
  • Papier-mâché exports from Kashmir: ₹38.44 crore in FY 2023–24 (within total handicrafts exports ₹1,162.29 crore).
  • Prior datapoint: ₹2.23 crore in Q1 FY 2023–24 (alongside chain-stitch ₹32.85 crore).
  • Q1 FY 2025–26: overall Kashmir handicrafts exports ₹309.62 crore (craft basket incl. papier-mâché). Useful momentum stat for buyer decks.

Quality & verification checklist

• Construction: Base (pulp/paperboard/light wood), gacch x2, sanding smoothness, weight/size tolerances.
  
• Artwork & finish: Naqashi method (flat vs embossed), motif approvals, metallic application (gold/silver), lacquer build and gloss level.
  
• Authentication: GI test report + QR GI label per item; retain label number mapping to cartons.
  
• Performance tests (decor articles): colorfastness to dry/wet rub on coated surfaces; adhesion/hardness on lacquer (retailer method or ISO/AATCC equivalents). (Set methods in your spec; not mandated by a single standard.)
  

Compliance (EU/US): coatings & children’s access

• Lead in paint—US: 16 CFR 1303 bans surface coatings ≥ 0.009% lead; relevant for painted décor; mandatory if item is a children’s product
  
• EU (REACH Annex XVII Entry 63): restricts lead in articles that can be mouthed by children (incl. certain décor); check scope & 0.05% thresholds / release limits.
  
• If you market as “toys” or for child use: apply ASTM F963 (US) and EN 71-3 (EU) migration of elements tests in accredited labs. Otherwise, keep marketing firmly as home décor.
  

India’s sourcing strengths

• Codified authenticity: GI specs + QR-coded labels reduce mislabelling and enable traceability to authorized users.
• Technique & motifs: The two-stage Sakhtsazi → Naqashi workflow and Persian-inflected chinar/rose/bird motifs deliver a recognizable visual identity.
• Ecosystem capacity: PTQCC/CDI are actively scaling certification throughput (regular labelling days; reduced waitlists), supporting export readiness.
  

Practical buying guide 

• Specs to fix early: base material and thickness; gacch layers; size & weight; painting method (flat/embossed); metallic use; lacquer (type, gloss); hardware (hinges/hooks); carton/inner protection; GI label required at SKU level.
• Documents to request: GI test certificate + QR label list, COO, HS 4823.90.20 (or destination equivalent) on invoice/packing list; if any item is child-directed, include 16 CFR 1303 / ASTM F963 / EN 71-3 reports.
  

Quick FAQs 

• Is “papier-mâché” the legal GI name?
  The GI is “Kashmir Paper Machie.” Use that term for authenticity claims; use “papier-mâché” as the generic craft name.
  
• Which HS code do we use?
  Generally HS 4823.90; many markets use 4823.90.20 – Articles of papier-mâché (US: 4823.90.2000). Confirm with your broker.
  

What export scale can we cite?
From J&K government/media: Papier-mâché ₹38.44 cr (FY 2023–24), and overall handicrafts ₹309.62 cr in Q1 FY 2025–26—useful demand signals for buyers.