A Geographical Indication (GI) tag certifies that a product originates from a specific location. It highlights the unique qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are tied to that region. GI tags protect the authenticity of traditional goods and promote regional heritage. These tags also give producers recognition and economic advantages. Examples of GI-tagged items in India include Darjeeling Tea, Mysore Silk, and Kashmiri Saffron. By protecting regional speciality, GI tags contribute to cultural pride and also support local communities. In turn, they ensure traditional products remain worthwhile and identified with what they originally were.
What is a GI Tag?
A Geographical Indication or GI tag is a certification given to products that have origin and inherent qualities, reputation, or characteristics that contribute to their origin. It creates a sense of identity attached to a place, distinguishing it with the help of this geographical indication tag. The GI tag, however, does not represent only a badge of genuineness but also serves the purpose of protecting and promoting traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and regional diversities.
A GI tag is used on products with specific geographic origins and its quality and reputation are attributed to it. It is registered and guarded under the Act of Registration and Protection of Geographical Indications of Products, 1999 in India. This avoids untoward usage of names of places as well as commodities. For the same, this develops some economic growth among producers of specified goods.
Step into the future of legal expertise! Join our Advanced Certification Program in Intellectual Property Law, created by The Legal School in collaboration with Khaitan & Co. Designed for fresh law graduates and professionals, this unique course boosts your legal career. Don’t miss this opportunity—enquire today to secure your spot!
Meaning of Geographical Indications
Geographical Indications, commonly abbreviated as GIs, are those names or signs that identify products coming from a specific location. They owe unique qualities, reputations, or characteristics to that place. GIs protect traditional knowledge and cultural heritage by ensuring that only authorized producers may use the name of the product. Examples include Darjeeling Tea and Kashmiri Pashmina. GIs are helpful for local communities as they gain recognition and benefits economically. They promote authenticity and preserve the identity of regional products.
Purpose of GI Tag
The main objective of a GI tag is to preserve the distinct identity of products associated with a specific region. It does the following:
Authenticity: Preserving the cultural and historical values of the product.
Economic Benefits: Increasing income for local producers and artisans by safeguarding them from imitation products.
Consumer Trust: Assisting consumers in recognizing authentic products that possess distinctive qualities.
Preservation of Heritage: Preserving traditional practices, craftsmanship, and regional specialities.
GI Tag Validity
The GI tag is granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, in India. After a GI tag is granted, the same is valid for 10 years, after which the registration must be renewed. Failure to file the renewal causes the lapse of registration and thus leaves the product unprotected against misuse or imitation.
Renewal Process of GI Tags
Renewal is the process of requesting the GI Registry to use additional supporting documents to renew the ten-year validity of the GI tag. This way, the product and its manufacturers will continue to enjoy protection. Stakeholders, mainly the associations of producers, should be vigilant to ensure that the tag does not lapse.
Types of GI-Tagged Products
GI tags are given to various product categories, such as:
Agricultural Products: Crops, spices, and fruits like Darjeeling Tea, Nagpur Orange, and Alphonso Mango.
Handicrafts: Artisanal products like Mysore Silk, Kanjeevaram Sarees, and Blue Pottery of Jaipur.
Food Items: Traditional delicacies like Bikaneri Bhujia, Tirupati Laddu, and Hyderabadi Haleem.
Natural Products: Items derived from natural resources, such as Makrana Marble.
Manufactured Goods: Region-specific industrial goods like Aranmula Kannadi (metal mirrors).
Check Comprehensive List of all State-wise GI Tags In India
Significance of GI Tags
GI tags help to protect regional products. It encourages cultural heritage and retains traditional practices. Moreover, GI tags also improve the local economy by benefiting producers. It also ensures authenticity and trust among consumers, hence it is important for producers as well as consumers.
Legal Protection: Prevents the misuse or false claim of the product's name by other manufacturers outside the region.
Boosts Local Economy: Encourages local producers by giving them a fair market value for their products.
Cultural Preservation: It promotes the traditional craftsmanship and agricultural practices of the region.
Tourism Promotion: Global attention is drawn to the region and its specialities.
Also, Get to Know What was the Basmati Rice GI Tag Protection Case
Who Can Apply for a GI Tag?
An application for a GI tag can be made by the entities that produce, process, or promote the product. The following types of individuals or groups are eligible to apply for a GI tag:
Producers: A farmer, artisan, or manufacturer directly involved in the making of the product.
Associations or Organizations: Groups of producers, artisans, or local organizations representing the interests of the product.
Government Bodies: State or central government authorities that support regional products.
Authorized Representatives: Legal representatives who act on behalf of the producers or organizations.
Also, Learn How to deal with GI Infringement
Duration/ Validity of a GI Tag
The validity of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag is ascertained by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in India. These are the details:
Initial Validity: A GI tag is initially granted for 10 years from the date of registration.
Renewal: It can be renewed infinitely in blocks of 10 years by making a renewal application to the Registrar of Geographical Indications.
Expiry: If the GI tag is not renewed after 10 years, the registration is void.
Continuing Rights: The rights remain valid if renewals are made in time.
Geographical Indication Tags in India List
India is home to a rich diversity of products that have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, showcasing the unique cultural and geographical heritage of the country. Below is a categorized list of some prominent GI-tagged products in India:
1. Agricultural Products
Products derived from farming, including crops, fruits, and spices, are recognized for their unique qualities and regional significance.
Darjeeling Tea (West Bengal) – The first GI-tagged product in India.
Basmati Rice (Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and other regions).
Alphonso Mango (Maharashtra).
Nagpur Orange (Maharashtra).
Kashmir Saffron (Jammu & Kashmir).
Naga Chilli (Nagaland).
2. Handicrafts
Traditional handmade items, often reflecting cultural heritage, are produced using age-old techniques and skilled craftsmanship from specific regions.
Mysore Silk (Karnataka).
Kanjeevaram Sarees (Tamil Nadu).
Kashmiri Pashmina (Jammu & Kashmir).
Channapatna Toys (Karnataka).
Madhubani Paintings (Bihar).
Blue Pottery of Jaipur (Rajasthan).
3. Food Products
Edible items, such as sweets, spices, and beverages, that are unique to regions, are often linked to cultural practices.
Tirupati Laddu (Andhra Pradesh).
Bikaneri Bhujia (Rajasthan).
Hyderabadi Haleem (Telangana).
Odisha Rasagola (Odisha).
Goan Feni (Goa).
4. Natural Products
Raw materials like minerals are often used in construction, art, or medicinal purposes, showcasing regional identity.
Makrana Marble (Rajasthan).
Shivamogga Arecanut (Karnataka).
Appliqué Work of Pipli (Odisha).
5. Manufactured Products
Items produced through industrial processes, often combining traditional methods with modern techniques, represent regional craftsmanship and innovation.
Aranmula Kannadi (Kerala) – Handmade metal mirrors.
Temple Jewelry of Nagercoil (Tamil Nadu).
Kondapalli Toys (Andhra Pradesh).
Know the Step by Step Process on Geographical Indication Registration
State-wise Most Popular GI Tags in India
India's diverse regions are known for their unique Geographical Indications (GI), highlighting traditional crafts, foods, and local specialities. Here are some of the most popular GI tags in India by state:
Andhra Pradesh: Tirupati Laddu, Sambhar Mangoes
Assam: Assam Tea, Muga Silk
Bihar: Madhubani Paintings, Sattu
Gujarat: Patola Saree, Kutch Embroidery
Karnataka: Coorg Coffee, Mysore Pak
Kerala: Nendran Banana, Kalamkari Paintings
Madhya Pradesh: Chanderi Sarees, Khajuraho Temples
Maharashtra: Paithani Saree, Alphonso Mango
Odisha: Odisha Applique Work, Pattachitra Paintings
Punjab: Basmati Rice, Amritsari Kulcha
Rajasthan: Kota Doria, Blue Pottery
Tamil Nadu: Kanchipuram Saree, Tirunelveli Halwa
Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi Silk Saree, Lucknow Chikan Embroidery
West Bengal: Darjeeling Tea, Santiniketan Leather
Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Shawl, Chamba Rumal
Learn the Key Differences between GI & Trademarks
GI Tags – Key Highlights
GI tags preserve India’s cultural heritage, boosting local economies and global recognition for unique agricultural, handicraft, and food products. Some key highlights include:
First GI-Tagged Product in India: Darjeeling Tea (2004).
Largest Number of GI Tags: Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu lead with the highest number of GI tags.
Unique Products: Kandhamal Haldi (turmeric from Odisha) and Chinnor Rice from Madhya Pradesh stand out for their exclusivity.
The first product globally to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag was "Roquefort Cheese" from France in 1955.
Cultural Preservation: GI tags protect traditional practices, crafts, and indigenous knowledge, preserving cultural heritage across various regions.
Some of the most popular GI tags globally include Champagne (France), Parmigiano Reggiano (Italy), Darjeeling Tea (India), Roquefort Cheese (France), and Colombian Coffee (Colombia).
Economic Impact: GI tags enhance local economies by supporting artisans and farmers, ensuring fair trade and better pricing for their products.
Summing Up
A GI tag is more than a label; it is a recognition of the heritage, culture, and skill of a region. It is a protection and promotion of GI-tagged products. They not only preserve traditional practices but also contribute to the socio-economic development of local communities. The recognition and value of such unique products ensure that their legacy is passed on to the next generation.
GI Tag FAQs
Q1: What is a GI tag?
A GI tag is a certification that links a product to its specific geographical origin and unique qualities.
Q2: Why is a GI tag important?
It protects the authenticity of a product, promotes heritage, and economically benefits local producers.
Q3: What is the first GI-tagged product in India?
Darjeeling Tea, awarded in 2004, is the first GI-tagged product in India.
Q4: Which products can get a GI tag?
The GI tag is given to agricultural products, handicrafts, food, natural products, and manufactured products.
Q5: What is the number of GI-tagged products in India?
India has more than 400 GI-tagged products that reveal its cultural and geographical diversity.
