GI Tag, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), TRIPS Agreement, WTO, Registrar of Geographical Indications, Agricultural vs. Handicraft GI, GI Logo & Tagline
Constitutional Provisions, GI Act 1999, Rural Empowerment, TRIPS Agreement, WTO, Cultural Identity, Traditional Knowledge, Soft Power, Export Promotion, IPR Enforcement, Branding, Post-registration Support
May 8, 2025
6
mins read
Geographical Indications (GI) are signs used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin. GI Tags act as intellectual property rights, helping preserve traditional knowledge, promote rural development, and strengthen India’s cultural economy. From Darjeeling Tea to Mysore Silk, GI Tags represent India’s unique regional identities. For UPSC aspirants, GI Tags are important for both prelims and mains due to their economic, cultural, and legal relevance.
India's legal structure for GI tags ensures protection, registration, and international compliance:
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999: This is the principal Indian legislation for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods. It came into force in 2003.
Administering Authority: The GI Registry in Chennai, under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, is responsible for the registration.
TRIPS Agreement under WTO (1994): India, as a WTO member, adheres to the TRIPS provisions which obligate all member nations to recognize GI as a form of intellectual property.
Duration and Renewal: GI registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed from time to time.
Table of content
Boosts Exports and Local Economy: GI tags help producers secure a premium price in domestic and international markets.
Legal Protection and Ownership: Prevents unauthorized use and enhances market differentiation through exclusive ownership rights.
Preserves Traditional Knowledge: Safeguards indigenous practices, traditional farming techniques, and crafts.
Rural Employment Generation: Promotes sustainable livelihoods by supporting artisans, farmers, and small producers.
Enhances Cultural Visibility: Strengthens India's soft power by showcasing regional uniqueness and heritage.
(Include a few authentic and confirmed GI tags added in this period with their state and product category: agricultural, foodstuff, handicraft, etc.)
Majuli Masks – Assam – Handicraft (Traditional masks used in Satriya dance and Vaishnavite culture)
Kodaikanal Garlic – Tamil Nadu – Agricultural
Moirang Phee Fabric – Manipur – Textile Handicraft
Bhoramdeo Metal Art – Chhattisgarh – Handicraft
Sitamarhi Paintings – Bihar – Handicraft
Andhra Pradesh: Kondapalli Toys, Kalamkari Paintings, Etikoppaka Toys
Arunachal Pradesh: Yak Churpi, Arunachal Orange
Assam: Muga Silk, Majuli Masks, Boka Chaul
Bihar: Bhagalpuri Silk, Sikki Grass Products, Sitamarhi Paintings
Chhattisgarh: Bhoramdeo Metal Art, Bastar Dhokra Craft
Goa: Feni (Country Liquor)
Gujarat: Patola Sarees, Agate Stone Craft
Haryana: Phulkari (shared with Punjab)
Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Shawl, Chamba Rumal
Jharkhand: Sohrai Khovar Painting
Karnataka: Mysore Silk, Coorg Orange, Bidriware
Kerala: Aranmula Kannadi, Alleppey Coir, Wayanad Jeerakasala Rice
Madhya Pradesh: Chanderi Saree, Maheshwari Saree
Maharashtra: Warli Painting, Paithani Saree, Nashik Grapes
Manipur: Moirang Phee Fabric, Chak-Hao Rice
Meghalaya: Garo Dakmanda Fabric (in process)
Mizoram: Mizo Puanchei (in process)
Nagaland: Naga Mircha (King Chilli), Chakhesang Shawls
Odisha: Rasagola, Kotpad Handloom, Gopalpur Tussar Fabric
Punjab: Phulkari, Amritsar Papad
Rajasthan: Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Kathputli Dolls
Sikkim: Dalle Khursani (chilli)
Tamil Nadu: Kanchipuram Silk Saree, Madurai Malli, Dindigul Locks, Kodaikanal Garlic
Telangana: Pochampally Ikat, Nirmal Toys
Tripura: Tripura Queen Pineapple (in process)
Uttar Pradesh: Banarasi Saree, Agra Petha, Chunar Sandstone
Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand Tejpat, Aipan Art (in process)
West Bengal: Darjeeling Tea, Nakshi Kantha
Limited Awareness and Accessibility: Many local producers remain unaware of GI benefits or how to apply.
Lack of Post-registration Support: GI registration alone doesn't ensure marketing, packaging, or distribution assistance.
Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: Difficulty in preventing misuse and counterfeiting due to weak local monitoring.
Insufficient Global Branding: Many Indian GIs lack global visibility due to limited promotional strategies.
Fragmented Producer Groups: Often, GI-linked producers are unorganized, affecting collective bargaining and quality control.
GI Samagam & Target of 10,000 GI Tags: In 2024, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry set a vision to increase the number of registered GI Tags in India to 10,000 by 2030, underlining its strategic importance in preserving traditional heritage and boosting exports.
GI Logo & Tagline: India has launched a unique GI logo along with the tagline — "Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India" — to foster awareness and distinguish authentic GI-tagged products.
Export Facilitation through APEDA: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is actively facilitating the export of GI products. Successful examples include:
Naga Mircha (Nagaland) and Black Rice (Manipur) exported to the UK
Assam Lemon exported to Italy
One District One Product (ODOP) Initiative: ODOP, under the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative, promotes GI-tagged and regionally significant products by linking them with branding and export strategies.
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): The ONDC platform integrates GI-tagged products, enabling access to national and global markets for rural artisans and producers by facilitating e-commerce reach.
France: Known for its stringent GI protection, especially for wine and cheese (e.g., Champagne, Roquefort). GIs are tightly regulated by national bodies.
Italy: The EU’s Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) have made products like Parma Ham and Balsamic Vinegar internationally recognized.
China: Has aggressively expanded its domestic GI system and secured global recognition through bilateral trade agreements.
India’s Position: Though India has over 450 registered GIs, export readiness, brand visibility, and GI-linked tourism remain underdeveloped. Strengthening promotional infrastructure and international collaboration can improve India’s GI impact.
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Geographical Indication Tags are vital tools for economic empowerment, especially in rural and artisanal sectors. They not only help protect traditional knowledge and craftsmanship but also provide global branding to India’s heritage. With increasing awareness and legal backing, GI Tags can significantly contribute to India’s soft power and inclusive development. For UPSC aspirants, staying updated on GI Tag developments is essential for both Prelims and Mains.
