In the realm of international trade, India possesses a diverse range of products that showcases special cultural and geographical significance. From state-of-the-art handcrafted textiles to captivating spices, India as a leading nation provides a rich tapestry of goods that have earned a global reputation. In the age of cut-throat competition, authenticity and origin hold the primary importance and to validate the authenticity and origin, Geographical indications (GI) tags have emerged as one of the most crucial tools for safeguarding India’s traditional products.
GI Tag in India provide recognition and protection, ensuring that goods are accurately labelled with their place of origin. GI Tag highlights the unique qualities of a specific product and validate their authenticity to specific regions. The tag helps in enhancing their marketability and protect them from unauthorized use or imitation. Thus, in the global marketplace, GI tags serve as beacons of authenticity and promote the rich heritage of India’s traditional industries.
What is GI Tag and its Importance?
A GI Tag or geographical indication tag is a certification given to products that originate from a specific region and have inherent qualities, reputation, and characteristics that contribute to their origin. If you are ever asked about what GI Tag is then you can simply answer it by defining it as a tag that creates a sense of identity attached to a place that helps in differentiating it with the help of the geographical indication tag.
GI tag in India not only represents a badge of authenticity but also serves as the purpose of protecting and promoting traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and regional diversities. GI tag is registered and guarded under the Act of Registration and Protection of Geographical Indications of Products, 1999 in India.
Who Gives GI Tag and regulates Geographical Indications in India?
GI Tag in India is granted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Once it is granted it is valid for 10 years, however a period of 10 years it must be renewed. Failing to do so will result in the lapse of registration and the product may be misused or imitated.
At international level, Geographical Indicators are included as per the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. Additionally, it is governed by the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
Renewal Process of GI Tag
GI tag in India must be renewed after a period of 10 years, the process of renewal of geographical indications tag in India involves 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. Let us check out the registration process of GI Tag in India:
- Filling out the Application form
- Preliminary inspection and analysis (It involve the step 2 & 3)
- Show cause notice (In case the registrar notifies anyone of any objections)
- Publication in the Journal of Geographic Indications
- Opposition to registration (Anyone can object to the GI application)
- Registration (The application submission date will be considered as the registration date in case it is registered)
- Renewal (Once a product has been registered as GI it must be renewed after a period of 10 years)
GI Tag Products in India
GI Tag in India is given to products under various categories that includes:
- 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).
Importance of GI Tag
GI Tag helps in protecting regional products and expanding their market at national and international level. GI Tag in India further encourages cultural heritage and retains traditional importance of the product. The geographical indication tag is not only important for producers but for consumers as well. Let us take a quick look at the significance of GI Tag:
- 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.
How many products have received GI Tag in India?
As of July 2025, India has total 658 registered GI tagged products. Between April 2024 to March 2025 India has added 23 new geographical indications. Diverse regions in India are known for their unique geographical indications that highlights their traditional crafts, foods and other local specialities. Given below is the list of state wise popular GI Tag in India:
- Andhra Pradesh: Tirupati Laddu, Sambhar Mangoes
- Assam: Assam Tea, Muga Silk
- Bihar: Madhubani Paintings, Sattu, Katarni Rice, Marcha Rice
- 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, Black Nunia rice
- Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Shawl, Chamba Rumal
Conclusion
A GI tag is more than a label, Geographical indication tag recognizes the heritage, culture, and skill of a region. The recognition and value of such unique products ensure that their legacy is passed on to the next generation. GI Tag in India plays a diverse role in India’s export market as well, serving as guardian of cultural heritage and drivers of economic growth. It preserves a authenticity and helps in enhancing market access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which was the first GI Tag Product in India?
Darjeeling Tea in 2004 was the first product to get GI tag in India.
Which State Has Highest Gi Tag?
Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have the highest number of GI Tag in India
Which was the first product to receive GI Tag Globally?
The first product to receive to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag globally was “Roquefort Cheese” from France in 1955