Promoting Geographical Indications in India
Geographical Indications (GIs) are certifications provided for goods originating from specific regions, representing unique traditional traits and cultural significance. In India, GIs play the pivotal role of preserving traditional knowledge, upholding creator's rights, providing legal protection, and preventing unauthorised usage. They stimulate demand for goods and services, exports, and tourism, thereby promoting tourism. India has established a robust framework to register, protect, and promote GIs, recognising their paramount significance in sustaining cultural traditions and contributing to the nation's prosperity.
Understanding the Importance of GIs
Geographical Indications are crucial to regional development. They offer legal protection to traditional and cultural knowledge and practices.
Preserving Cultural Heritage and Traditional Products
GIs provide the perfect platform for the display of unique products that reflect the various customs and practices of different geographical regions. By granting GIs to these traditional items, India recognises and protects the skill and know-how that have been handed down through the generations. Moreover, GIs instil a sense of pride in local communities as they witness the national and even international recognition and protection of their traditional goods.
Legal Protection and Unauthorised Use Prevention
GIs give manufacturers of geographical indication products legal protection and unique rights. This protection plays a crucial role in preserving the authenticity of these products along with their quality. The rights of the producers are protected, and consumer confidence is upheld, thanks to GIs' ability to stop unauthorised use, imitation, and infringement. GIs promote a level playing field by creating a legal framework, enabling producers to profit from their investments, maintain their reputations, and protect the uniqueness of their products.
Promotion of Exports and Economic Development
GIs have a significant impact on promoting exports and driving economic development. GIs help create market demand and recognition for products associated with specific regions, enhancing their competitiveness both domestically and internationally. This provides a boost to local industries, increases employment opportunities, and contributes significantly to overall economic development.
Promotion of Tourism
Geographical Indications (GIs) promote tourism in India by drawing tourists eager to explore and experience unique traditional products representing the diverse customs and practices of different regions. GIs provide legal protection to ensure the authenticity and quality of these products, instilling confidence in consumers. Tourists are attracted to the rich cultural heritage upheld by GIs, contributing to the growth of cultural tourism and further boosting local industries, employment opportunities, and overall economic development.
Government Initiatives for Promoting and Developing GIs in India
The Indian government has put forth multiple initiatives that are aimed at the development of the economy through the use of promoting geographical indications.
The Geographical Indications Act, 1999
The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999[1], which came into force on September 15, 2003, is the primary legislation governing GI registrations in India. This act serves the purpose of registering, protecting, and promoting GI products. It creates a legal framework to protect the distinctive identity and reputation of goods coming from particular geographical areas. The act created the Geographical Indications Registry, which is essential for awarding GI certifications. It reviews registration applications, confirms the genuineness and distinctiveness of goods, and keeps a registry database up to date. The government hopes to protect traditional knowledge, promote economic growth, and stop the unauthorised use or imitation of GI items through the GI Act.
The GI Registry certified 33 new goods as GI on March 31, 2023. The Atreyapuram Pootharekulu sweet[2] from Andhra Pradesh and the Dholak from Amroha[3], Uttar Pradesh, just received the GI tag; as a result, India will have more than 430 GI tags by 2023. It contains Telangana's Tandur red gramme[4], Assam's gamocha[5], Maharashtra's Alibag white onion[6], and Ladakh's Raktsey Karpo apricot[7].
Export Promotion Councils and DGFT[8]
Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) play a vital role in supporting specific export products and assisting Indian exporters. The Companies Act/Societies Registration Act allowed for the establishment of these councils as non-profit institutions. They offer advice, market research, and promotional activities to increase exports in order to meet the unique needs of various export sectors. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is in charge of carrying out import and export regulations. The DGFT is essential in promoting India's exports, fostering trade connections with foreign nations, and ensuring that laws governing international commerce are followed. The partnership between EPCs and DGFT significantly contributes to improving India's export competitiveness and growing its market share.
APEDA's Role in Promoting GI Products
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) plays a significant role in promoting GI products. For the purpose of showcasing and marketing GI products, APEDA arranges in-person programmes, promotional events, and online buyer-seller meetings. There have been notable GI product shipments to the UK, Bahrain, Qatar, Italy, and the UK of Naga Mircha (King Chilli), Black Rice, Assam Lemon, and several mango kinds. These APEDA activities aid in spreading knowledge about GI goods and facilitating their export to foreign markets.
DPIIT's Efforts to Boost GI Sales
GI products are aggressively promoted in India and overseas by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The India Geographical Indications (GI) Fair is put on by DPIIT and serves as a venue for showcasing and promoting GI goods. Additionally, to increase exposure and market access, DPIIT erects GI Pavilions at trade shows. To increase awareness of GI goods and increase sales, workshops, conferences, and promotional programmes are also organised.
FIEO's Support for Indian Exporters
The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) acts as a crucial trade promotion organisation, representing and assisting Indian entrepreneurs and exporters. By acting as a liaison between exporters and numerous stakeholders, FIEO promotes commercial links between India and overseas markets. The FIEO plays a critical role in promoting GI products and increasing their export potential by offering help and direction to exporters.
Summing Up
The actions taken by the government through APEDA, DPIIT, and FIEO demonstrate its dedication to promoting and aiding GI goods. These groups actively participate in campaigns and initiatives that increase consumer awareness, open up markets, and support Indian exporters. By collaborating with stakeholders and organising events, they create platforms for showcasing GI products and boosting their sales both domestically and internationally.
[1] The Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999, < https://ipindia.gov.in/act-1999.htm >
[2] https://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/news/NewsSearch.aspx?newsid=50420
[3] https://search.ipindia.gov.in/GIRPublic/Application/Details/670
[4] https://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/news/NewsSearch.aspx?newsid=47003
[5] https://search.ipindia.gov.in/GIRPublic/Application/Details/682
[6] https://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/news/NewsSearch.aspx?newsid=43932
[7] https://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/news/NewsSearch.aspx?newsid=47025