GI Tags in India (Geographical Indications): Latest List 2024 & Updates for UPSC

GI Tags in India 2024 play a crucial role in protecting the unique identity of traditional products. The GI tag full form is Geographical Indication, and it helps in preserving regional heritage. The geographical indications in IPR ensure that only authorized users can market these products. The GI tags in India 2024 UPSC topic is important for aspirants preparing for competitive exams. Understanding what is GI tag and its significance is essential for knowing India's diverse cultural landscape. The GI tag list includes a variety of products such as handicrafts, agricultural rgoods, and industrial items. Many regions in India have received GI certification, highlighting their rich traditions. The total GI tag in India is increasing every year as more products get recognized.

In this article on Geographical Indication Tags in India, we shall discuss the geographical indication tags, their importance in India, and the state-wise compilation of various products given GI tags. Questions related to the GI tag in India are frequently asked in various competitive exams, such as the UPSC Civil Service Examination.

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What is GI Tag in India?

The Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a status given to a product belonging exclusively to a particular area. The quality, reputation, and any other characteristics of that particular product are generally attributed to the geographical origin of the product. It is covered as an element of Intellectual Property Rights under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.In the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), Article 22(1) delineates Geographical Indications (GIs) as "indications that specify a product's origin in the territory of a member, or a specific region or locality within that territory, where the inherent quality, reputation, or other distinctive characteristics of the product can be primarily attributed to its geographic origin."

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As of March 2025, India has continued to recognize and protect its unique regional products through the Geographical Indications (GI) registry. A GI tag identifies goods as originating from a specific location, attributing their quality or reputation to that origin. This system not only preserves cultural heritage but also promotes economic prosperity in these regions.

Recent GI Tag Registrations:

Here are some of the latest products that have been granted GI tags:

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List of Geographical Indication Tags in India 

Here’s a list of notable Geographical Indication (GI) tags in India:

Product Name	Category	Region/State	Year
Banaras Thandai	Food Stuff	Uttar Pradesh	2023–24
Assam Mishing Handloom Products	Handicraft	Assam and Arunachal Pradesh	2023–24
Assam Bihu Dhol	Handicraft	Assam	2023–24
Assam Pani Meteka Craft	Handicraft	Assam	2023–24
Sarthebari Metal Craft	Handicraft	Assam	2023–24
Banaras Mural Painting	Handicraft	Uttar Pradesh	2023–24
Ahmedabad Sodagari Block Print	Handicraft	Gujarat	2023–24
Surat Sadeli Craft	Handicraft	Gujarat	2023–24
Tripura Pachra-Rignai	Handicraft	Tripura	2023–24
Tripura Matabari Peda	Food Stuff	Tripura	2023–24
Bharuch Sujani Weaving	Handicraft	Gujarat	2023–24
Meghalaya Garo Textile	Handicraft	Meghalaya	2023–24
Meghalaya Lyrnai Pottery	Handicraft	Meghalaya	2023–24
Meghalaya Chubitchi	Manufactured	Meghalaya	2023–24
Pilkhuwa Hand Block Print	Handicraft	Uttar Pradesh	2023–24
Banaras Metal Casting Craft	Handicraft	Uttar Pradesh	2023–24
Bareilly Cane and Bamboo	Handicraft	Uttar Pradesh	2023–24
Tharu Embroidery	Handicraft	Uttar Pradesh	2023–24
Bareilly Zari Zardoji	Handicraft	Uttar Pradesh	2023–24
Banaras Tirangi Barfi	Food Stuff	Uttar Pradesh	2023–24
Kutch Ajrakh	Handicraft	Gujarat	2023–24
Andaman Karen Musley Rice	Agricultural	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	2023–24
Bhaderwah Rajmash	Agricultural	Jammu and Kashmir	2023–24
Ramban Sulai Honey	Food Stuff	Jammu and Kashmir	2023–24
Basohli Pashmina Woolen Products	Handicraft	Jammu and Kashmir	2023–24
Udhampur Kaladi	Food Stuff	Jammu and Kashmir	2023–24
Mushqbudji Rice	Agricultural	Jammu and Kashmir	2023–24
Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft	Handicraft	Jammu and Kashmir	2023–24

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A list of Geographical Indication Tags in different states and Union Territories of India are given below.

GI Tags of Andhra Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh GI Tag List 

GI Tag of Assam

GI Tag of Bihar

GI Tag List of Chhattisgarh

Goa GI Tag List

Gujarat GI Tag List

GI Tags in Jammu and Kashmir

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History of Geographical Indication Tags

In December 1999, the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999 was passed by the Parliament of India, aiming to provide for the registration of the GI of unique goods in India and provide better protection to them. The act came into force on 15 September 2003. The TRIPS Agreement prescribes standards for the safety of GI that all WTO members must provide. Part II Section 3 of the TRIPS provides the standards concerning the availability and use of GI. The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks administers the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. He/ She is also the registrar of the GI tag in India.

In India, the Geographical indication tag is issued by the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The first geographical indication tag in India was given in 2004 – 2005 to the Darjeeling tea, which has a unique quality and naturally occurring flavour. It is given to a wide range of products falling under the following categories,

• Agriculture products
• Natural products
• Manufactured items
• Textiles
• Handicrafts
• Foodstuffs

To obtain a GI tag in India for any product, it must originate in a place where the qualities and characteristics of the product should be due to its place of origin. Generally, the registration of a product under GI is valid for 10 years from the date of registration. On completion of 10 years, it can be renewed for a further 10 years. If the registered geographical indication is not renewed, then the product is removed from the register.

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Importance of GI tags

GI tags protect the interests of producers by preventing unauthorized use of the indication of their product. GI tags can help to promote fair trade by ensuring that producers receive a fair price for their products. This is because GI tags can help to create a market for high-quality, authentic products.

Protection of Unique Products

The GI tag ensures that only genuine producers from a specific region can sell the product under its name. This prevents unauthorized use and maintains the authenticity of GI tag products in India, protecting traditional knowledge and heritage from exploitation by external entities.

Boost to Local Economy

 The GI tags in India 2024 help local artisans and farmers gain better recognition. The exclusivity of GI tag products in India increases their market value, leading to higher earnings. This encourages sustainable livelihoods and preserves indigenous production techniques across various states.

Promotion of Indian Handicrafts and Agriculture

 The geographical indication tag plays a crucial role in promoting India’s rich craftsmanship and agricultural excellence. Recognizing products under geographical indications in IPR safeguards unique agricultural varieties like Black Rice GI tag and handicrafts such as Gond Painting GI tag from being copied.

Increase in Exports and Global Recognition

 The GI tag list enhances the reputation of Indian products in international markets. Recognized products such as Basmati Rice and Banarasi Saree receive higher demand. Many items from the GI tag list 2023 and GI tag list 2020-21 have gained international recognition.

Encouragement of Traditional Knowledge Preservation

 The GI tag full form is Geographical Indication, which helps in preserving the cultural knowledge behind each product. Items such as Madhubani Painting and Pashmina Shawl showcase India’s centuries-old skills. These geographical indications examples in India preserve indigenous knowledge.

Legal Protection Against Duplication

 The full form of GI tag represents the legal right of a specific region over a product. It prevents unauthorized entities from misusing the product name. Products from the GI tags list are protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999, ensuring credibility and authenticity.

Encouragement for Sustainable Practices

 Many geographical indications examples encourage sustainable practices in production. The GI tag in India helps preserve traditional organic farming, eco-friendly weaving, and hand-made artistry. Items like Marcha Rice and Kanjeevaram Saree showcase environment-friendly methods passed down through generations.

Cultural and Heritage Recognition

 The GI tag list in India highlights the cultural significance of products. Items such as GI tag of Rajasthan for Blue Pottery and GI tag of West Bengal for Rosogolla showcase the diverse heritage of India. The GI tag means preserving India’s cultural identity.

Employment Generation and Rural Development

 The GI registration of products provides employment opportunities to rural artisans, weavers, and farmers. Recognized products from the GI tags state wise database uplift small-scale industries. The GI tags of Uttar Pradesh and GI tags of Gujarat include products that support rural craftspeople.

Strengthening of Indian Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

 The geographical indications in IPR provide a structured system to protect India’s regional assets. Items from how many GI tag in India categories receive official recognition, preventing their unauthorized replication. The highest GI tag state in India, Karnataka, benefits from such protections.

Role of GI in Rural Development

Geographical indicators have valuable benefits for rural development by directly indicating to consumers the origin and quality of a product, eliminating the need for extensive investments in technology and advertising.

• In low-income nations, agriculture serves as a crucial revenue source, with the potential to drive economic growth and reduce poverty.
• Enhancements in agricultural productivity and profitability can increase rural income, creating a demand for domestically produced agricultural and industrial goods.
• Exporting agricultural products generates foreign currency, enabling the acquisition of capital goods, technology, agricultural inputs, and food supplies.
• This essay aims to explore the role of Geographical Indications (GIs) in facilitating the contribution of agriculture to economic development.

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Advantages of GI tags

A GI tag helps to protect the reputation and uniqueness of a product. It prevents unauthorized use of the name or indication. This can help to ensure that consumers get the genuine product and that producers are not undercut by counterfeiters. A GI tag can help increase the marketability and price realization of a product. It provides consumers with a guarantee of quality and authenticity. This can be especially important for products that are sold in international markets.

GI tags can help promote economic development. It provides producers with a competitive advantage. It attracts tourists and investment to the region. GI tags can encourage innovation and creativity. It provides producers with an incentive to improve the quality and distinctiveness of their products.

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Protection of GI Tags

Protecting a geographical indicator (GI) allows individuals with the right to use the indication to take action against others who use it without permission and profit from its reputation (“free-riders”). The reputation of a geographical indicator is a significant, communal, and intangible asset. The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999 protects GIs in India. In India, GI registration will provide better legal protection and make bringing a case for infringement easier.

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Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants Protection given to the unique identity of products under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Preservation of traditional collective heritage in geographical, agricultural, manufactured products, traditional craftsmanship, and industrial goods. Increased marketability of products-economically boosts the rural economy and promotes traditional industries and artisans. GI tags ensure that the product is not sold with unauthorized use of the registered GI, ensuring their authenticity and quality. The GI Tags protect cultural heritage, thereby preserving traditional knowledge and practices. Consumers are secured in their quality and origin, reducing the potential for fake products to enter the market. Products like Darjeeling Tea, Pashmina Shawls, Mysore Silk, and Kanchipuram Sarees are some of the known products to have GI tags. Helps India gain global recognition regarding products belonging uniquely to India and narrows down such products' potentiality concerning their export and increases their international reputation.

We hope this article on the GI tag in India will be helpful for the aspirants of various competitive exams. Though it is quite difficult to memorize the entire list of products under the GI tag in India, aspirants should go through the list provided in this article frequently so that they can recall better in the examination.

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