How having a GI tag can help stakeholders

IN a global market where product origins blur, India’s Geographical Indication (GI) tag anchors goods to their cultural and geographical roots. Enacted under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, aligned with the WTO’s TRIPS agreement, a GI tag certifies a product’s unique qualities, such as flavour or craftsmanship, tied to its specific locale. Darjeeling tea, the first recipient in 2004, exemplifies this, protecting names from unauthorised use by counterfeiters.

Legally, the tag empowers producers to sue infringers, with penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment or fines up to Rs 2 lakh, ensuring robust protection for authentic goods.

According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation, a Geographical Indication right allows authorised users to prevent third parties from using the GI if their product does not meet the established standards. For instance, in regions where the Darjeeling tea GI is protected, Darjeeling tea producers can prohibit the use of “Darjeeling” for tea not grown in their designated tea gardens or not produced in accordance with the GI’s code of practice.

However, a protected GI tag does not restrict others from using the same production techniques outlined in the GI standards. GI protection is typically secured by obtaining rights over the specific sign or name associated with the indication.

Geographical indications are commonly applied to agricultural products, foodstuffs, wines and spirits, handicrafts, and industrial products. The GI system fosters economic upliftment, cultural preservation, and consumer trust. For artisans and farmers, it offers legal recourse against imitation, preserving traditional skills. For consumers, it guarantees provenance, ensuring authenticity.

Kullu Shawl, granted GI status in 2004, is a handwoven textile from Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu valley, crafted on looms with wool and featuring geometric patterns inspired by local traditions.

Chamba Rumal, GI-tagged in 2007, is an embroidered handkerchief from Himachal’s Chamba valley, using silk threads on mulmul fabric to depict intricate cultural motifs. Both tags protect these crafts’ authenticity, curbing fakes that undermine their heritage.

India’s ambition is evident in its target of 10,000 GIs by 2030, announced by Union Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal in January, aligning with the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign and export goals of Rs 1 lakh crore. This contrasts with China’s 9,785 GIs in force as of 2023, highlighting India’s potential for growth.

According to the Ministry of Commerce figures, India exported 3 MT GI-tagged Indi or Kagzi Lemon from Vijayapura, Karnataka, to UAE on August 24 and 7 MT of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana were bound for New Zealand, Canada and the US on September 11. However, the GI tag’s impact hinges on execution. Critics highlight weak enforcement and coordination gaps between authorities and local producers, which can render tags as being symbolic. Low awareness among rural stakeholders often limits benefits, allowing intermediaries to dominate profits. Without grassroots engagement, the system risks becoming a bureaucratic exercise rather than a transformative tool.

A recent example is Amritsari Kulcha, for which Punjab’s Food Processing Department is fast-tracking a GI bid as of September 2025. This tandoor-baked, crispy potato-stuffed flatbread, slathered with butter or ghee, paired with chhole, is a staple of Amritsar’s culinary heritage. The bid, announced on September 11, aims to boost exports and brand Punjab’s cuisine globally, mirroring other GI successes.

The promise of GI tags lies in preserving heritage and enhancing market value. They protect cultural identities against mass-produced imitations and create opportunities for global recognition.