Pashmina Products

Pashmina is the finest inner wool that grows as layer at the very bottom of thick and course fiber of Himalayan goat, locally known as chyangra (Capra Hircus), living above 2000 meter from the sea level. Each chyangra does produce 90 grams of pashmina once a year. It is extracted from its body either by combing or by cutting during January to February. Pashmina is one of the finest, softest, warmest and lightest wool found in nature. In fact, it is the best wool in the world. Pashmina is known by different names like "Diamond Fiber" and "Soft Gold of High Asia". It is unparallel in uniqueness and elegance to any other fibers.

Pashmina product has become the 3^rd largest overseas export item of the country after readymade garment and hand knotted woollen carpet. Nepali Pashmina product is a kind of handicraft, which can be regarded as a handmade high quality woolen product of multipurpose use. Pashmina product has been coded under HS Code 62.14.20. The main raw materials used for producing pashmina products are 'Pashmina Yarn' and 'Silk Yarn' plus dyes and chemicals. Nepalese Pashmina industries require importing all these raw materials. Pashmina Yarn and Silk Yarn are imported from China and India and Chemicals and dyes from Europe and India. It can be made of pure Pashmina yarn or by using both Pashmina yarn and Silk yarn in a certain proportion normally in the ratio of 70:30, depending upon the demand of the esteemed buyers. Fineness, softness, warmness, lightness, durability and craftsmanship are its inherent features.

The production process of pashmina product generally includes weaving, dyeing, processing, fringing, tassels, embroidery, beadwork, printing etc.

The most demanding Pashmina items of different size in the international markets are: -

1) Shawls - 36"X80"

2) Stoles - 28"X78", 28"X72", 24"X72" , 22"X72" and 20"X72"

3) Mufflers/ Scarves - 18"X78", 18"X65" and 12"X60"

4) Blankets -45"X72", 45"X90", 56"X96", 52"X110" and 60"X100"

Besides the said items, there is a good demand of various Pashmina-made readymade garments in the international market too.

In the case of packing, each Pashmina item, by folding properly, is kept in separate air tight- plastic bags and packed the same in cartoon boxes.

Almost all Pashmina products do enter into international markets from Tribhuvan International Airport by air Cargo and into India by Land. However, it is also exported by post as well as courier in negligible number.

The price of Nepali Pashmina product basically depends upon its quality, ordering size, colour, design and size.

Almost all of the Pashmina industries are concentrated in the Kathmandu Valley. They are absolutely export-oriented industries. However, it has been given the impression that as many as 5% of its products may be consumed within the country. Pashmina products account for more than 50% of the total export figure of the handicraft products. And also it is the major export component under the handicraft goods category.

The number of international export markets of Nepali Pashmina products exceeds 40 out of which, USA, Italy, Canada, UK, France, Japan, Germany and India are the major ones.

List of Nepalese Manufacturers & Exporters of Pashmina Products: