Geographical Indication Tag (GI Tag)

Why in News: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the first-ever air shipment of India’s GI-tagged Indi Lime (Vijayapura, Karnataka – 350 kg) and Puliyankudi Lime (Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu – 150 kg) to the United Kingdom on 28th October 2025. This marks a major milestone in expanding India’s global presence in GI-tagged horticultural produce.

About Indi Lime (Karnataka)

• Region: Vijayapura district, Karnataka.
• Features: Known for superior quality, zesty aroma, balanced acidity, and high juice yield.
• Cultural value: Used in traditional medicine and local cultural practices.
• Recognition: Reflects Karnataka’s rich agricultural legacy and geographical uniqueness.

About Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu)

• Region: Tenkasi district — known as the “Lemon City of Tamil Nadu”.
• Variety: Kadayam Lime.
• Features: Thin peel, high acidity, strong flavour, and high juice content (~55%).
• Nutritional value: High ascorbic acid (Vitamin C – 34.3 mg/100g) and antioxidant-rich.
• GI Status: Received GI Tag in April 2025.

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag — Overview

• Definition: A sign or label used on products that originate from a specific geographical region and have unique qualities, reputation, or characteristics due to that origin.
• Coverage: Applicable to agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods, including handicrafts, food products, and industrial items.
• Type of IPR: A collective Intellectual Property Right (IPR) – ownership belongs to the producer community, not an individual.
• Legal Framework:
  • WTO-TRIPS Agreement: International recognition of GI.
  • Domestic Law: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
  • Registry: Geographical Indication Registry, Chennai — under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
  • Protection Period: Valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
• Classification:
  • In EU: Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
  • In India: Only PGI category exists.
• Benefits of GI Tag:
  • Prevents unauthorized use of product names.
  • Enhances market recognition and export potential.
  • Promotes rural development and traditional knowledge preservation.

Current GI Status in India

• Total GI Tags (as of 2025): Just over 660.
• Target by 2030: 10,000 GI Tags.
• First GI Tag: Darjeeling Tea (2004–05).
• Top States:
  • 1st: Uttar Pradesh
  • 2nd: Tamil Nadu

Prelims Pointers:

• First GI in India: Darjeeling Tea (2004-05)
• Administered by: DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Registry Location: Chennai
• Legal Basis: GI Act, 1999
• Protection Duration: 10 years (renewable)
• India’s Top GI States: Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
• GI Tag Nature: Collective Intellectual Property
• Recent GI Export: Indi Lime (Karnataka) & Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu) to UK (2025)

Source: PIB

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