GI tag

GI tag

Topic: Economics

Context:

Marthandam Beekeepers’ Co-operative Society Ltd. In Kanniyakumari district has filed an application seeking geographical indication (GI) tag for Marthandam honey. The honey produced in Marthandam has been certified as AGMARK ‘A’ grade by the Government of India.

Concept:

GI tag: 

• It is an insignia on products having a unique geographical origin and evolution over centuries with regard to its special quality or reputed attributes.
• It is a mark of authenticity and ensures that registered authorized users or at least those residing inside the geographic territory are allowed to use the popular product names.
• GI tag in India is governed by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. It is issued by the Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai).
• A GI tag can be filed in international fora only when one has GI laws in their country.
• GI is a tag on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess certain qualities due to that origin and are safeguarded by legalities such as by the World Intellectual Property Organisation.