What is a GI Tag: Full Form, Process to Apply, Benefits, Importance

What is a GI Tag?

Have you ever wondered why some products are famous only in certain parts of India, like Darjeeling Tea, Banarasi Saree, or Mysore Silk? These products are special because they come from a particular place and carry a unique identity. They are known for their quality and tradition and culture behind them. 

To protect the name and fame of such products, India gives them something called a GI Tag. A GI Tag helps people know that the item belongs to a specific region and cannot be copied by others unfairly. 

GI Tag Full Form

GI Tag Full Form is Geographical Indication Tag. A Geographical Indication (GI) is a special label or sign used on products that come from a certain area and have qualities linked to that place. All such items are renowned worldwide for their special features that come from the soil, weather, and the skill of local people.

A GI Tag helps protect these products from being copied. It conveys to the buyers that the product is genuine and truly from that particular region. It also helps preserve the traditional methods of production. Some of the examples of GI Tag are as follows:

• Darjeeling Tea - Darjeeling hills in West Bengal.

• Kanchipuram Silk Sarees - Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.

• Alphonso Mangoes - grown mainly in Maharashtra.

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Why is a GI Tag Important?

A Geographical Indication Tag assumes a lot of importance. When a product gets a GI Tag, it becomes a symbol of pride for that area. It also helps in making the region more popular, attracting tourists and improving business. The importance of the GI Tag is as follows:

• Protection of traditional products and the hard work of local artisans or farmers.

• Stopping others from using the name falsely to sell low-quality copies.

• Helps the buyers trust a product’s origin.

• Promotes local culture, tradition, and skills.

Process to Get a GI Tag in India

Acquiring a GI Tag for a particular product in India involves several steps. There is a proper process prescribed under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.  The steps and processes involved in acquiring a GI Tag are as follows:

Step 1: Filing the Application

The process starts with an application. The producer, association, or group representing the makers of the product must apply for the GI Tag. For example, if it is a type of rice grown only in one region, the local farmers’ association can apply. The application is sent to the Geographical Indications Registry, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The form must include:

• The name of the product.

• The geographical area where it is produced.

• Proof that the product has special features due to its origin.

• The method of production and materials used.

Step 2: Preliminary Check

After receiving the application, officials check if it is complete and correct. They see whether the product truly deserves the GI Tag and whether all required documents are attached. If there are mistakes, they ask for corrections before moving forward.

Step 3: Expert Examination

Once the form is accepted, a committee of experts studies it carefully. They may visit the area to see how the product is made and talk to the people involved. Their main goal is to confirm that the product has a strong connection with the place.

Step 4: Publication in GI Journal

If the experts approve the application, it is published in the Geographical Indications Journal. This journal is a public record where people can see all new GI applications. Anyone who disagrees with the claim can object within a few months. 

Step 5: Objections

If someone objects to the registration, the matter is reviewed by the GI Registry. Both sides present their arguments, and the authority takes a fair decision based on evidence. If no objection is raised or if it is resolved, the process continues.

Step 6: Registration and Certification

Once everything is approved, the product officially gets registered as a Geographical Indication. A Registration Certificate is issued to the applicant. The product can now display the GI Tag logo on its packaging. This logo tells consumers that it is an authentic, region-specific product.

Step 7: Renewal

A GI Tag is valid for 10 years. After that, it can be renewed for another 10 years by paying a small fee. This ensures continuous protection for the product and its producers.

Benefits of Geographical Indication Tag

Acquiring a GI Tag brings several benefits to the community, the region, and the country. The main benefits of Geographical Indication Tag are as follows:

• Protects Local Identity: It protects the unique identity of local goods. The GI Tag ensures that no one else can misuse these names. Products like Nagpur Orange, Mysore Sandal Soap, or Bikaneri Bhujia have become world-famous because of their special qualities. 

• Encourages Traditional Skills: Several local products are made using old techniques passed down through generations. A GI Tag helps preserve such traditional knowledge and keeps it alive for future generations. For example, the making of Kashmir Pashmina Shawls requires great skill and care. 

• Boosts Local Economy: When a product becomes famous due to its GI Tag, it attracts more buyers. This increases sales and brings more income to the local producers. Farmers, artisans, and small businesses benefit directly.

• Builds Consumer Trust: The GI Tag acts as a guarantee of quality and authenticity. Buyers know that the product they are purchasing is genuine and not a fake copy. This builds trust and encourages more people to buy GI-tagged goods.

• Promotes Exports: Products with GI Tags often gain international attention. They can be exported easily because foreign buyers trust the certified origin. This helps India earn more through trade and strengthens its reputation globally.

• Reduces Unfair Competition: Sometimes, fake products enter the market using famous names. The GI Tag stops such unfair practices by giving legal protection. Only authorised producers can use the name.

• Supports Rural Development: Most GI products come from rural or semi-rural regions. The GI Tag brings more business to these areas, creating job opportunities and improving the standard of living for local people.

• Encourages Tourism: Many GI products are linked to local culture and tradition. When they become popular, they attract tourists. For example, Banarasi Sarees and Mysore Silk attract visitors interested in seeing how these are made. This boosts local tourism and crafts.

• Helps Preserve Biodiversity: Some GI products are connected to natural resources, like plants, soil, and climate. Protecting them through GI Tags also helps preserve biodiversity and promotes eco-friendly practices.

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GI Tagged Products in India

India has more than 450 registered GI products, covering food, handicrafts, textiles, and agricultural items. Some of the examples of the GI Tagged Products in India are provided in the table below: