Preserving Heritage: A Comprehensive Guide to Geographical Indication Tag (GI Tags)

Author:Vishwa Pratap Singh Added on: Oct 03, 2023 Category: Awareness Updated on: Oct 19, 2023 Reading Time:8 Minutes Approx

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Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags): Things You Should Know

Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags): Introduction

In a world where globalisation has made our everyday lives increasingly connected, it is critical to recognise and maintain the distinct cultural and culinary traditions that characterise various areas and groups. Geographical Indication (GI) tags play a critical role in attaining this aim by safeguarding and promoting the rich legacy connected with certain products from specific geographical locations.

In this blog, we will attempt to address as many questions as possible concerning Geographical Indication or GI tags that may arise while studying for an exam or for general knowledge purpose.

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Table Of Content

What are Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags)?

Geographical Indication tags are a type of intellectual property protection assigned to items that have unique features or attributes that are limited to being attributed to their geographical origin. These tags not only confirm the authenticity of a product, but also indicate that it carries unique characteristics, reputation, and expertise of the location from whence it originated.

According to the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999, GI tags are issued. The term "geographical indication" (GI) refers to a label applied to goods with a particular geographic origin that guarantees their high quality or excellent standing in the area.

Importance of Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags):

Geographical Indications (GI tags) are important for several reasons:

1. GI Tags Protect Intellectual Property:

GI tags helps producers and artists to protect their intellectual property rights. They prevent the unauthorised use of the geographical term on things that do not originate in the specified region. This safeguard is critical for protecting the uniqueness and quality of items connected with a certain location.

2. GI Tags Helps to Preserve the Traditional Knowledge:

GI tags are frequently used for identifying items that have distinct features or attributes linked to local communities' traditional knowledge, abilities, and practises. By recognising and conserving these GIs, we are preserving traditional and cultural legacy.

3. GI Tags Provides Economic Benefits to Producers:

GI tags can raise the market value of items from a specific location. Consumers are generally prepared to pay a premium for items with a GI tag because they relate to quality, authenticity, and a connection to a specific location. This can increase the revenue of local producers and help to the region's economic growth.

4. GI Tags Helps in Promotion of Tourism:

GI-tagged items may become emblems of a region's cultural and culinary identity, attracting tourists who wish to experience the original flavours and customs of a location. This may benefit local tourism industry.

5. GI Tags Assure Quality:

GI tags are often connected with high quality standards and limitations. This contributes to the quality and consistency of items bearing the GI label. Consumers are usually confident that GI-labelled items satisfy strict requirements and are of a high quality.

6. GI Tag Helps in Market Access:

GI tags can help local manufacturers get market access by increasing the exposure and reputation of their products. They can also defend against imitation and unfair competition, both at home and abroad.

7. GI Tags Promote the Sustainable Agriculture:

The acknowledgment of GI goods frequently promotes sustainable agricultural practises. To preserve the distinct features of GI goods, producers may need to use specialised agronomic and processing practises that prioritise environmental sustainability.

8. GI Tags Helps to Preserve the Cultural Identity:

GI tags are frequently tied to a region's cultural character and heritage. Protecting these GIs helps to preserve the cultural variety and customs connected with certain locations.

How is a Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags) Granted in India?

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 specifies how the geographic indication tag is given out. All manufacturers of goods or organisations are eligible to apply for GI. The geographical map of the territory or area in the nation where the products are made and the list of the classes of goods to which it will apply must both be included in the application. It must be presented with a certain fee and in the appropriate format, along with a signature.

Various authorities will review and evaluate the application. To assert any rights regarding such an indicator, one must register their GI. When a product has a GI tag, it inhibits unauthorised usage and increases the makers' financial benefit through export. The price of a GI product rises on the global market as exports grow. According to Section 21 of the GI Act, registration grants the right to launch a lawsuit for infringement. Section 23 supports that there is initial support for the ownership and legality of GI.

Who issues Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags) in India?

According to the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999, GI tags are granted. The Geographical Indication Registry, part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, is responsible for issuing this tag.

State wise Number of Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags) in India:

Here is the complete list of the State wise Geographical Indication aka GI Tags in India –

If you wanted to know product wise or goods wise GI Tags list then checkout the following link –

Complete List of State wise and Goods wise Geographical Indication or GI Tags Add Link here

Andhra Pradesh: 24
Arunachal Pradesh: 2
Assam: 12
Bihar: 15
Chhattisgarh: 7
Dadar & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu: 1
Delhi: 1
Goa: 5
Gujarat: 18
Haryana: 2
Himachal Pradesh: 11
Jammu & Kashmir (UT): 10
Jharkhand: 1
Karnataka: 46
Kerala: 39
Ladakh (UT): 4
Madhya Pradesh: 22
Maharashtra: 34

Manipur: 7
Meghalaya: 2
Mizoram: 7
Nagaland: 5
Odisha: 18
Punjab: 2
Pondicherry (UT): 2
Rajasthan: 16
Sikkim: 2
Tamil Nadu: 57
Telangana: 17
Tripura: 1
Uttar Pradesh: 53
Uttarakhand: 9
West Bengal: 22

Some Important Facts About Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags) in India:

The state of Tamil Nadu in India has the most number of GI Tags that is 57*.
The state of Uttar Pradesh has the second most GI Tags that is 53*.
Once a GI Tags is given to any goods then its validity lasts for ten years, after which it can be renewed.
Any individual or business cannot market similar goods under the same name if a product has a GI tag.
The first product from India to be given the geographical indication label was Darjeeling Tea. The well-known beverage gained fame in 2004.

Challenges and Controversies: Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags):

1. Legal Battles: As producers from other countries can try to use similar names or copy the items, protecting GI tags may need legal action. In order to resolve these problems, international collaboration and legal remedies are required.

2. Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Some contend that GI protection may hinder innovation in the design of products and manufacturing processes. A constant issue is striking a balance between upholding history and fostering innovation.

Popular Indian Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags) Products:

Here are some examples of popular Indian products that have received GI tags and are recognized and sought after worldwide for their exceptional quality -

Darjeeling Tea (West Bengal)
Basmati Rice (Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, & Rajasthan)
Kashmir Pashmina (Jammu & Kashmir UT)
Banarasi Silk Sarees (Uttar Pradesh)
Mysore Sandalwood Oil (Karnataka)
Alphonso Mangoes (Maharashtra)
Kanchipuram Silk Sarees (Tamil Nadu)
Goa Feni (Goa)
Tirupati Laddu (Andhra Pradesh)
Nagpur Orange (Maharashtra)
Kadaknath Chicken (Madhya Pradesh)
Agra Petha (Uttar Pradesh)
Salem Fabric (Tamil Nadu)
Dindigul Locks (Tamil Nadu)

First 10 Goods with Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags) in India:

Darjeeling Tea (Word & Logo) in Agricultural Category from West Bengal.
Aranmula Kannadi in Handicraft Category from Kerala.
Pochampalli Ikat in Handicraft Category from Telangana.
Salem Fabric in Handicraft Category from Tamil Nadu.
Chanderi Sarees in Handicraft Category from Madhya Pradesh.
Solapur Chaddar in Handicraft Category from Maharashtra.
Solapur Terry Towel in Handicraft Category from Maharashtra.
Kotpad Handloom Fabric in Handicraft Category from Odisha.
Mysore Silk in Handicraft Category from Karnataka.
Kota Doria in Handicraft Category from Rajasthan.

Top 10 Popular and Celebrated Geographical Indications Tags (GI Tags) All Around the World:

Due to the uniqueness and superiority of goods linked to certain places, Geographical Indication (GI) tags from all over the world have grown significantly in popularity and recognition. Here are a few well-known GI tags from various countries:

1. Champagne (France):

One of the most well-known GI tags worldwide is probably champagne. It is connected to the French sparkling wine made in the Champagne region. The GI tag limits the label "Champagne" to wines made in this region.

2. Parmigiano-Reggiano (Italy):

This GI label refers to the highly regarded Parmesan cheese made in Italy's Emilia-Romagna area. Specific production requirements must be followed, and the name is protected.

3. Roquefort (France):

The renowned blue cheese Roquefort is produced in the southern French region using sheep's milk. The GI label assures that only cheese made in this area may be referred to as "Roquefort."

4. Darjeeling Tea (India):

A well-known GI product from India is Darjeeling tea. It is produced in the Darjeeling region of West Bengal and is renowned for its unique flavour.

5. Tequila (Mexico):

Famous Mexican liquor tequila carries a geographic indication (GI) label that links it to areas of Mexico, mainly the state of Jalisco. The blue agave plant, which is only cultivated in specific areas, must be used to make it.

6. Scotch Whisky (Scotland):

Scotch whisky, which is sometimes just referred to as Scotch, is protected in Scotland by GI laws. It must be manufactured in accordance with stringent guidelines, which include ageing for a specific period in oak barrels.

7. Prosciutto di Parma (Italy):

This GI label designates a premium Italian ham made in the Parma region of Italy. It uses conventional techniques for manufacture.

8. Bordeaux Wine (France):

A GI tag protects the wines made in Bordeaux, a well-known wine-producing area in France. Bordeaux wines are acclaimed for their high standards and variety.

9. Swiss Watches (Switzerland):

The watchmaking industry in Switzerland is well-known, and the GI badge assures that timepieces marked as "Swiss Made" adhere to strict requirements pertaining to their manufacturing in Switzerland.

10. Basmati Rice (India and Pakistan):

Long grains and aromatic properties are well-known characteristics of basmati rice. The GI marking guarantees the authenticity of Basmati rice and links it to geographical areas in Pakistan and India.

GI tags – a Requirement of the TRIPS Agreement

India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 has come into force with effect from 15th September 2003.
Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to get the geographical indication tag. In 2004, the famous beverage got recognition.
A sign must identify a product as coming from a specific location in order to function as a GI. Darjeeling tea was the first product in India to receive a GI label in 2004-05.

Geographical Indications – Background

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 was passed by Parliament in December 1999.
This Act aims to improve the registration and protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks, who also serves as the Registrar of Geographical Indications, would be in charge of enforcing the Act.
Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai.
The Act went into effect on the 15th of September, 2003.