Silk Mark would be a symbol of silk purity. It would be a hallmark for products made from pure and new silk. Silk Mark logo will be prominently displayed and affixed to products qualifying certain standards. Authorised users of Silk Mark would be allowed to use the Silk Mark Logo in the products containing 100% natural silk.

Silk Mark Organization of India (SMOI)

Silk Mark Organization Of India (SMOI), a registered society, sponsored by the Central Silk Board, ministry of textiles, Govt. of India will operate the Silk Mark scheme. Silk manufacturers, silk traders of both domestic and export, companies and corporate bodies of repute can become the members of the society. Permanent members representing central and state governments and members elected by the general body, as per the byelaws, constitute the Committee of Administration (COA) who will manage the affairs of the Silk Mark Organization.

Who will operate the Silk Mark scheme?

Silk Mark Organization of India (SMOI) will operate the Silk Mark scheme. Initially, the scheme will be implemented by drafting officials from Central Silk Board, who have specialized experience in commercialization of silk technologies and innovative technical consultancies with over fifty years of expertise in the silk field.

Product coverage

Silk Mark covers all silk products - Primary, intermediate and finished silk products viz.

1. Raw silk
2. Silk yarns
3. Silk fabrics
4. Silk sarees
5. Silk made-ups
6. Silk garments
7. Silk carpets

What does Silk Mark ensure?

Silk Mark ensures ‘100% natural silk’ in all products under a Silk Mark label. This means that a Silk Mark product contains pure silk in warp and weft in its base fabric but allowing ornamental zari/thread work in pallu, body or border as extra warp or weft at loom stage or after loom. Products with zari used along with warp and/or weft will also qualify for Silk Marking.

The Silk Mark logo

The Silk Mark logo is a registered trademark under the Trade Mark Authority of India. The logo is the artistic depiction of silk moth emerging from its cocoon and transformed from pupae to a butterfly. The logo therefore represents nature.

Who can become an Authorised User (AU) of Silk Mark?

Silk manufacturers, Wholesalers, Retailers and exporters of repute, who fulfill certain minimum standards in their raw materials, supply chains and sourcing of finished or semi-finished products can become an Authorised User of Silk Mark.

How can you become a bonafide user of Silk Mark?

Anyone who wishes to become a bonafide user of Silk Mark should first become a member of SMOI. Any member can become an Authorised User by registering their name and by executing a user agreement with the SMOI. They can use the SM logo in their business premises for publicity as also in their products for sale.

Membership/User fee

Members to the SMOI are enrolled on payment of prescribed membership fee (one time payment) fixed as per different categories of membership. Those who wish to become an Authorised User of Silk Mark, can register their name on payment of Registration fee which is renewable every year.

Training of Authorised User (AU)

Two staff members of the Authorised User will be provided training in silk testing and fibre identification by the respective Regional Centres of SMOI free of cost. On successful completion of the training, they will be issued with a Certificate of proficiency in silk testing and fibre identification and will be designated as Silk Testing Assistants.

Silk Mark Labels

Silk Mark logo in the form of holograms will be printed and supplied to the Authorised User (AU) along with labels at a nominal cost. The holograms will be numbered and coded in such a way that every label can be identified for its AU, the center, the period of use etc. The AU can obtain the labels through their nearest Regional SM Centers.

Display/publicity

While the responsibility of publicity campaign lies with SMOI, individual AU can make local publicity about availability of Silk Mark products through their retail/wholesale outlets. They can also display the Silk Mark logo in their business premises proclaiming them as the licensed user of SM. They may consult the Regional SMOI Centers about the depiction of the logo as per approved specifications.

Consumer complaints

In case of doubt, consumer can test and confirm products under a Silk Mark label, for purity from the SMOI Centers. In the event of genuine consumer complaint, the AU is bound to make good of the damages as per consumer protection law. SMOI will act as a facilitator in such cases.