International

Trade
What is GI tag?
• Geographical Indication tag
• A GI tag =A particular item has originated from a particular region
only.
• For example: Kanchipuram Silk Saree, Alphanso Mango, Nagpur
Orange, Kolhapuri Chappal, Bikaneri Bhujia, Agra Petha
• So outsiders cannot sell other variety of teas with title/label
“Darjeeling”, else they can be punished
Why is GI-tag important?
• When a product is given GI status, its price increases in international
market (because consumers in first world prefer such “exotic” items)
• It boosts exports
• It can boost tourism
• The poor farmers/artisans from the given region have to face less
competition from fake guys selling bogus products
• Indirectly leads to sustainable Development
Difference between Geographical
Indication and Trademark
GI
It envisions that the product
comes from a particular
place/region.
Right is enjoyed by a community Right enjoyed by only one
/ association of producers =
community right
Given for “Goods” (physical
stuff)
Trademark
It envisions that the product comes
from a particular
enterprise/company.
person/company = individual right.
Can be goods (mobile, PC etc.) or
service (e.g. Music, spa etc.)
GI Tags in India
Examples of possible Indian Geographical
Indications
 Basmati Rice  Mysore silk
 Darjeeling Tea
 Madhubani paintings
 Kanchipuram silk saree
 Nagpur orange  Jaipur blue pottery

 Kolhapuri chappal  Goan feni

 Bikaneri bhujia
 Hyderabadi Haleem
 Agra petha
 Naga Mircha

The top five states that have the maximum number of products with GI tags are Karnataka (33), Tamil Nadu (24), Kerala (22), UP (21)
and Odisha (15)

361 GI tags in India Statewise list - http://www.ipindia.nic.in/writereaddata/Portal/Images/pdf/GI_Application_Register_10-09-2019.pdf

Meerut Scissors
• Recently got GI status under Indian Act.
• It is for the first-time, a handmade tool is given GI status in India.
• Meerut Scissors are known for their sharpness.
• They are preferred by industrial garment manufacturers.
• They can be repaired, unlike other scissors that are thrown out after
use.
• Meerut scissors are made of carbon steel blades sourced from scrap
metal found in cars, buses, trucks and railways.
Madurai Malli Jasmine Flowers
• Recently granted GI status.
• It is a jasmine flower grown in Madurai region of Tamilnadu.
• Madurai Malli is mentioned in Tamil Literature since the Sangam age.(
5th cent.BC)
• The price can be as high as Rs.2000 per kilogram.
• Here comes the Problem= some clowns mixup other cheap varieties of Jasmine
flowers and export them under the label of “Madurai Malli”.
• Such fake Madurai Malli flowers donot have decent fragrance of original Malli. So
foreign consumers think “this is not a good flower.” = demand falls in
international market = Indian farmers suffer.
• But Now GI status is given to Madurai Malli = such bad guys can be punished and
legit farmers can get decent price for their produce**.
• Anyways, this is the first GI tag given to a flower in Tamil Nadu.
Story of Basmati Rice
Year Value($ billion) %Ch YoY Lac MT %Ch YoY Lac MT
2013 4.864 37.54 46
44.14
2014 4.518 -7% 37.02 -1% 44

2015 3.477 -23% 40.45 9% 42

40.45 40.56
39.85
2016 3.2 -8% 39.85 -1% 40

2017 4.2 31% 40.56 2% 38 37.54

37.02

2018 4.71 12% 44.14 9% 36

34

32

Write here 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Value($ billion)
6

5
4.864 4.71
4 4.518
4.2

3 3.477
3.2

0
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Value($ billion) 4.864 4.518 3.477 3.2 4.2 4.71
References
• http://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/indexp/Product_description_32head.aspx?gcode=0601
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/basmati-rice-exports-rise-to-usd-4-71-bn-in-2018-
19/articleshow/70057885.cms
• http://drdpat.bih.nic.in/Rice%20Export.htm
• https://mrunal.org/2013/02/economy-geographical-indication-gi-tag-features-issues-benefits-madurai-malli-meerut-
scissors.html
• https://www.thedollarbusiness.com/magazine/geographical-indication-tags---are-gi-tags-helping-india-s-exports-/45759
• https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-top-story/economics-for-everyone-going-global-geographical-indicators-gi-
114080502670_1.html