What it is
Thread wrapped with thin metal strip or metallised film, in gold, silver and copper colours. It is woven into saree borders and used in zardozi embroidery.
Real zari (silver/gold-plated silver wire)Imitation zari (copper wire, electroplated)Metallic zari (polyester film)
Where India produces it
- GujaratSurat
Surat is the main zari-making centre alongside its man-made fibre fabrics.
- Uttar PradeshBareilly
Zari-zardozi embroidery cluster (ODOP).
Where imports come from
- China — US$ 2.05 million of imports under HS 5605 in 2025-26.
- Japan — US$ 1.74 million of imports under HS 5605 in 2025-26.
- Germany — US$ 0.22 million of imports under HS 5605 in 2025-26.
Storage and handling
Keep spools sealed in airtight packs; real and imitation zari tarnish in humid air.
Businesses that use it
Zari and Silk Embroidery →Banarasi Silk Saree Weaving →Computerised Embroidery (Job Work) →