Rugmark
Rugmark is a global non-profit organization established in 1995 by Indian non-governmental organizations, German and international aid organizations and the German Society for Technical Cooperation .
The aim is to combat illegal child labor in the carpet industry in India. This is achieved by inspecting looms and factories in production centers through surprise and random inspections. A foundation was opened in Nepal in 1996 and Pakistan was included in 1998. Since it was founded, child labor in the carpet industry has fallen by around two thirds.
Rugmark awards an internationally registered seal for carpets that have been knotted according to the Rugmark criteria. The concept pursues two strategies:
- Control and certification of production on site,
- Social programs for (former) child workers and their families.
The carpet manufacturers and exporters therefore have a Rugmark license in which they assure that they meet these criteria: “No employment of children under 14 years of age, acceptance of unannounced inspections at any time and disclosure of orders to the Rugmark office”.