Have you ever wondered why “Darjeeling Tea” tastes distinct from regular tea, or why “Kanchipuram Silk” is prized over other fabrics? It isn’t just a brand name; it’s a promise of quality deeply rooted in a specific location. This is where the concept of a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag comes in.
In this post, we’ll explore what a GI tag is, why it matters, and look at some famous examples that you might already know.
What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
Simply put, a GI tag certifies that a product:
- Originates from a specific town, region, or country.
- Has unique characteristics (like taste, texture, or craftsmanship) solely because of its geographical environment (climate, soil, or traditional methods).
It is essentially an Intellectual Property Right (IPR) that protects the “place of origin” as a brand itself.
Why Do We Use GI Tags?
GI tags work like a certificate. They tell people that:
- The product is made using traditional methods
- It has special features or good quality
- It gets its reputation from its location
What Kind of Products Get GI Tags?
Products that get GI tags are usually:
- 🌾 Agricultural products – like fruits, vegetables, tea
- 🪵 Natural goods – like stones or wood items
- 🧶 Handmade or manufactured products – like clothes, crafts, or food items
These products are well-known because of their origin and how they are made.
First GI-Tagged Product of India
🫖 Darjeeling Tea from West Bengal was the first product in India to get a GI tag.
Other Famous GI-Tagged Products in India
- 🍊 Nagpur Orange – Maharashtra
- 🧣 Kashmir Pashmina – Jammu & Kashmir
- 🎨 Kangra Paintings – Himachal Pradesh
- 🍬 Tirupati Laddu – Andhra Pradesh
Objectives of the GI Tag
The primary goal of a GI tag is not just recognition; it is about protection and economics.
- Legal Protection: It prevents unauthorized use. For example, a tea manufacturer in another country cannot label their product as “Darjeeling Tea” even if they use the same processing method.
- Quality Assurance: It assures consumers of the authenticity and quality of the product.
- Economic Prosperity: It boosts exports and helps producers (often rural artisans and farmers) get a premium price for their goods.
- Preserving Heritage: It protects traditional knowledge and cultural practices handed down through generations.
- Support Local Makers: It helps farmers, artisans, and small businesses earn better by promoting their original products.
- Promote Local Culture and Heritage: It helps keep the culture, art, and skills of a region alive and respected.
Who Gives GI Tags in India?
In India, GI tags are given by a special office called the Geographical Indications Registry.
- This is done under a law called the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
- The registry works under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
- DPIIT is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
So, the Government of India officially gives GI tags through this department.
Examples of the GI Tag in India
| Sl. No | Geographical Indication | Goods | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Darjeeling Tea | Agriculture | West Bengal |
| 2. | Aranmulla Kannadi | Handicraft | Kerala |
| 3. | Pochampalli Ikat | Handicraft | Telangana |
| 4. | Goa Cashew (Kaju or Caju) | Agriculture | Goa |
| 5. | Chanderi Sarees | Handicraft | Madhya Pradesh |
| 6. | Solapur Chaddar | Handicraft | Maharashtra |
| 7. | Solapur Terry Towel | Handicraft | Maharashtra |
| 8. | Kotpad Handloom Fabric | Handicraft | Odisha |
| 9. | Ramban Sulai Honey | Agriculture | Jammu & Kashmir |
| 10. | Almora Lakhori Mirchi | Agriculture | Uttarakhand |
✅Read More: Check out the updated list of GI Tag Products: Complete Notes
Important Facts About GI Tags in India
Key Facts You Should Know
If you are a student or an enthusiast, here are the critical facts regarding GI tags:
- Nodal Agency: In India, the registration is administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The registry is located in Chennai.orking on September 15, 2003, to protect and register products with GI tags.
- Global Regulation: Internationally, GI tags are covered as a component of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) under the Paris Convention and the TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- Indian Law: In India, GIs are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into force in September 2003.
- The First GI: Darjeeling Tea was the first product in India to receive a GI tag in the year 2004-2005.
- Validity: A GI tag is valid for a period of 10 years, after which it must be renewed.
Why Are GI Tags Important?
- Protects Traditional Products: GI tags help preserve traditional methods of making products.
- Boosts Local Economy: They support local farmers and artisans by giving their products special recognition.
- Ensures Quality: Consumers can trust that GI-tagged products are authentic and of high quality.
- Prevents Misuse: Only authorized users can use the GI tag, preventing others from copying or faking the product.
Conclusion
A Geographical Indication is more than just a label; it is a tribute to the land and the people who cultivate it. Whether it is the spicy Bhoot Jolokia of Assam or the intricate Pashmina of Kashmir, these tags ensure that our rich heritage is protected from imitation and that the artisans receive the recognition they deserve.
Next time you buy a specialty product, look for the GI logo—it’s your guarantee of experiencing a genuine piece of that region’s culture!
FAQs on the Geographical Indication Tag
Q1. What is a Geographical Indication?
A GI Tag is like a special mark that tells us where a product comes from. It helps us know the origin of agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods and makes sure they are of good quality. For a product to get a GI Tag, it has to be made, processed, or prepared in the specific area for which the GI is given.
Q2. What are the benefits of geographical indications?
Getting a GI Tag stops others from making copies of the tagged products, giving legal protection to Geographical Indications in India. This tag is given to products of high quality, making customers happy. When products are of good quality, it also helps producers sell them internationally, bringing in more money and creating jobs in the region.
Q3. Who is an authorized user of the GI tag?
If a producer wants a GI Tag for their goods, they can apply for registration. Once the GI Tag is issued to them, they become the authorized user of that tag. This means that no one else from a different individual or area can use the same tag.
Q4. Who can apply for the registration of the GI tag?
Any individual producer, the association of persons, organizations, or authorities established by or under the law, can apply to get a GI tag. However, the application should be written in the proper format along with the prescribed fee.
Q5. Is registration received once valid for a lifetime?
No, the registration of a geographical indication is valid only for 10 years, although it can be renewed from time to time for a further period of 10 years each.
Q6. Can a registered geographical indication be assigned or transferred to somebody else?
No. A geographical indication is a public property of a particular area or state. It shall not be assigned or transferred, pledged, or mortgaged to others.
If the authorized user of the GI tag dies, his right transfers to his successor in title.
Q7. Can a registered authorized user be removed from the register?
Yes. The GI tag issuing authority, or the Registrar of Geographical Indications, can remove the geographical indication or an authorized user from the register. The registration can also be canceled (if found guilty) on the application of an aggrieved person.
