TEHRAN -- Iran’s carpet has always been a global hallmark of exquisite craftsmanship, due to its timeless elegance which embodies the rich heritage of the country’s cultural legacy.   
However, U.S. sanctions against Iran have significantly impacted the Persian carpet industry, leading to a decline in exports and the emergence of parallel markets in neighboring countries.
Officials are now raising concerns over the unauthorized reproduction of Persian carpet designs, and a surge in counterfeiting and mislabeling of Iranian products abroad.
Some Afghan immigrants have even opened their own shops, practicing tasks which are typical of Iranian artisanship deeply rooted in the country’s culture and history, with techniques and styles passed down through generations.
Persian carpets have always been highly valued as a symbol of Iranian art both domestically and internationally for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and the high quality of materials and craftsmanship used in their production.
Prior to the sanctions, Iran was a leading exporter for decades, where Western tourists and others passing through the country would pick up rugs as gifts and take back home.
But the restrictions have made it difficult to export carpets, and with fewer tourists coming and difficulties rising in making international transactions, Iranian rugs are going unsold.
Making things worse, Afghans have been pulling the rug out from under Iran’s traditional carpet weavers, copying them in ways that are sometimes difficult to find out even for experts.
In the underground workshops of Afghanistan, artisans copy Iranian designs and sell rugs in the world markets in the name of Iran. They even make minor changes to Iranian patterns to make possible litigation in international tribunals difficult.
Even inside Iran, Afghan rugs are sometimes passed for Persian carpets – a phenomenon which has only recently got the public worried.
Officials and experts say the real solution is to register Iranian carpets. This includes providing information on the number of patterns, type of fibers, weaving technique, time of production, and the name of the manufacturer to help distinguish genuine Iranian rugs from fake products.