A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a certification granted to products originating from a specific region and possessing unique qualities, reputation, or characteristics linked to that location. From Darjeeling Tea to Pochampally Ikat, GI tags are vital in preserving India’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage.
Recognized under the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement, GI tags not only protect traditional knowledge but also boost rural economies. In this post, we explore the meaning, objectives, benefits, and top Indian products with GI tags, crucial for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, and other competitive exams.
What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?
What is a GI Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a special name or sign given to a product that comes from a specific place. This means the product has something unique or special about it because of where it is made.
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.
How Does a GI Tag Help?
- Only authorized people can use the name of that product.
- It protects the product from being copied.
- It helps keep the tradition alive.
- It also supports local workers and farmers.
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 main goal of a GI tag is to protect products that are special because of where they come from. Here are the key objectives:
- 🛑 Stop Misuse
- GI tags stop others from using the product name without permission.
- ✅ Protect Local Products
- GI helps protect traditional and unique items made by local people.
- 💼 Support Local Makers
- It helps farmers, artisans, and small businesses earn better by promoting their original products.
- 🛍️ Ensure Good Quality
- A GI tag means the product is authentic, made using traditional methods, and has good quality.
- 🌍 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
India’s Law on GI Tags
India created a law called the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999. This law started working on September 15, 2003, to protect and register products with GI tags.
Global Agreement
India follows international rules under the World Trade Organization (WTO). According to Article 22(1) of the TRIPS Agreement, a GI is a name or sign used on products that have a specific quality, reputation, or other characteristics because they come from a particular place.
First GI Tag in India
The first product in India to get a GI tag was Darjeeling Tea in 2004–2005. This tea is known for its special flavor and is grown only in the Darjeeling region.
Who Can Use a GI Tag?
Only people or groups from the specific area where the product comes from can use the GI tag. This helps protect the product’s name and ensures its quality.
Number of GI-Tagged Products
As of March 2025, India has 658 products with GI tags. These include agricultural items, handicrafts, food products, and more.
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.
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.
