Silk Mark Saree: India’s Official Certification for Pure Silk

In a world where synthetic imitations are getting better at mimicking the shimmer of real silk, how can you be certain your saree is truly pure? 

This is where Silk Mark, India's official seal of authenticity for genuine silk sarees, becomes crucial. Whether you're buying a bridal Kanjeevaram or a timeless Banarasi, understanding Silk Mark can save you from costly mistakes. 

In this guide, we unravel everything you need to know—from certification and pricing to spotting fakes and caring for your silk treasures.

Silk Mark: What It Is and Why It Matters

In today’s market, buying a silk saree can feel like walking through a maze of imitations. Polyester blends dressed up as "art silk" and synthetic fibers mimicking pure silk's soft sheen—it's simple to get fooled. That’s precisely why Silk Mark exists.

Launched in 2004 by India’s Central Silk Board, Silk Mark is the country's official certification that guarantees a fabric is made from 100% natural silk. Administered by the Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI), this certification helps buyers separate genuine silk from clever counterfeits.

But Silk Mark is more than just a tag—it’s a promise.

• It protects you, the buyer, from being overcharged for synthetic or blended fabrics.
• It supports India’s traditional weavers, ensuring their handwoven art gets the recognition and value it deserves.
• It promotes sustainable and ethical silk production, preserving a centuries-old legacy.
  

Every Silk Mark label is backed by rigorous testing, secure serial numbers, QR codes, and tamper-proof holograms. When you see the butterfly logo, you’re not just seeing silk—you’re seeing authenticity, craftsmanship, and a piece of India’s living heritage.

Whether you're investing in a Kanjeevaram for your wedding or gifting a Banarasi to a loved one, Silk Mark gives you the confidence that your saree is genuinely made of pure silk—no guesswork, no compromises.

How to Identify a Genuine Silk Mark Saree

Silk Mark certification comes with multiple security features to help you confidently verify authenticity before you buy.

Here’s what to look for:

1. The Silk Mark Tag

Every genuine Silk Mark saree will have an official Silk Mark label securely attached. This tag carries the iconic butterfly logo and several built-in safety measures.

2. Hologram

Look for a tamper-evident holographic strip on the label, which displays

• The Silk Mark butterfly logo.
• The words: Promoted by Govt. of India.

The hologram ensures the tag is genuine and not a casual print.

3. Unique Serial Number

Each Silk Mark tag carries a unique alphanumeric code assigned to the authorized seller or manufacturer. This allows complete traceability—the serial number can be verified online through the Silk Mark Organisation of India.

 4. QR Code

Most modern Silk Mark tags feature a scannable QR code. When scanned, it instantly reveals the authorized seller’s details, making it easy to verify the saree’s source before purchasing.

5. Tamper-Proof Sticker

The latest Silk Mark labels are self-destruct stickers that break apart if removed, making them impossible to reuse on fake products.

Quick Tip for Buyers:

If you're uncertain, you can cross-check the serial number or QR code directly on the Silk Mark Organisation of India (SMOI) website before purchasing. This added step gives you complete peace of mind.

Types of Silk Sarees Eligible for Silk Mark

 

Silk Mark certification isn’t limited to these. Other eligible varieties include Chanderi, Dharmavaram, Gadwal, Sambalpuri, Kashmiri silk, Kalamkari on silk, and many modern designer silks—as long as they’re made from 100% pure natural silk.

Difference Between Silk Mark and Handloom Mark

Many buyers often confuse Silk Mark and Handloom Mark, but they certify two different things.

Silk Mark guarantees that the fabric is made from 100% pure natural silk, regardless of how it’s woven. It is issued by the Silk Mark Organization of India (SMOI) under the Central Silk Board.

Handloom Mark, on the other hand, certifies that the saree or fabric is handwoven by artisans using traditional handlooms, whether it's made of silk, cotton, wool, or any other fiber. This mark is issued by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles.

A saree can carry both marks if it is made from pure silk and handwoven. For example, a handloom Kanchipuram or Banarasi saree made with pure silk may display both Silk Mark and Handloom Mark certifications, offering double assurance—for both fiber purity and artisan craftsmanship.

Common Myths About Silk Mark

Myth: Only expensive sarees have Silk Mark.

Fact: Any pure silk saree, whether simple or expensive, can carry a Silk Mark. It certifies silk purity, not the price.

Myth: Machine-made silk can’t get Silk Mark.

Fact: Both handloom and machine-made fabrics can get Silk Mark as long as they are 100% pure silk. The certification is about fiber content, not the weaving method.

Myth: Silk Mark means the saree is handloom.

Fact: Silk Mark only guarantees pure silk. Handloom status is certified separately under the Handloom Mark.

Myth: Silk Mark also certifies zari purity (gold or silver threads). 

Fact: Silk Mark only certifies silk purity. It does not check if zari threads are real gold or silver—that’s a separate matter.

Care & Maintenance Tips for Silk Mark Sarees

How to Care for Certified Silk Mark Sarees:

• Always prefer dry cleaning.
• Do not soak or wring.
• Dry in shade, never under direct sunlight.
• Use low heat for ironing with a cloth placed on top.
• Store in muslin or cotton cloth, not plastic.
• Refold every 3–6 months to avoid permanent creases.
• Keep away from perfume, deodorant, or makeup stains.
• Handle carefully to avoid snagging on jewelry.

How to Maintain Authenticity for Resale:

• Keep the Silk Mark tag, serial number, and bill.
• Store properly to retain color and quality.
• Avoid heavy alterations that change the original saree.
• Don’t remove attached certificates or tags.

Beyond the Tag: The Story Behind Every Silk Saree

A pure silk saree isn’t just about the fabric—it’s about the story woven into every thread. Silk Mark helps you own that story with confidence. Beyond beauty and price, it's your assurance that the craftsmanship, tradition, and purity behind your saree are real, not replicated. In every certified saree, you carry a piece of India’s silk legacy.