The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has initiated discussions to amend the Geographical Indications (GI) Act of 1999, recognizing the need to modernize and improve the existing system. The current GI framework, while instrumental in protecting the identity of many unique regional products, faces several challenges that hinder its effectiveness.
One of the primary issues is the complexity and lack of transparency in the registration process. For many communities, particularly those in rural and tribal areas, navigating the registration system is difficult. The process needs to be simplified and made more transparent to encourage wider participation. Additionally, aligning the GI registration process with other forms of intellectual property, such as patents and trademarks, would create a more cohesive and user-friendly system.
Another concern is the inconsistent handling of GIs across India. Intellectual property officers and trademark examiners currently approach GIs in varying ways, depending on their location. This inconsistency can lead to confusion and delays. A standardized approach across the country would streamline the process and ensure greater clarity for applicants.
To provide further support, the creation of a dedicated board can be created. has been recommended. This board, similar to existing bodies like the Tea Board and Coffee Board, could play a pivotal role in supporting farmers, artisans, weavers, and tribal groups by offering guidance and resources during the GI registration process. The board could also help these communities by promoting their products on national and international platforms.
One of the biggest challenges Indian GI products faces is a lack of international recognition. Due to insufficient branding, limited promotional efforts, and restricted access to global markets, many GI-tagged products remain unknown outside India. Furthermore, the absence of consistent quality control mechanisms prevents these products from competing effectively on the world stage. Addressing these gaps through improved management and quality monitoring will help boost their international presence.
Another proposed amendment is the introduction of dedicated Harmonized System (HS) codes for each GI product. While popular products like Darjeeling tea and Basmati rice have their own HS codes, many other GI-tagged products do not. This makes it difficult to track their international trade performance and limits opportunities for expansion. Providing each GI product with a unique HS code would significantly improve the availability of export data and help identify areas for growth.
The amendments also aim to address the increasing importance of e-commerce and digital protection. As online platforms become more prevalent in selling GI-tagged products, it’s essential to have legal provisions in place that regulate and facilitate these transactions. Strengthening the digital protection of GI products would safeguard their authenticity in the online marketplace.
Additionally, post-registration monitoring is a crucial aspect that has been overlooked in the current system. Ensuring the consistent quality of GI products after registration is key to maintaining their reputation and value. Experts have pointed out that the current framework lacks mechanisms to ensure ongoing quality control, which weakens the GI system.
Lastly, the amendments seek to make the GI regime more efficient by integrating a fully electronic system. From electronic filing to communication and prosecution, digitizing the entire registration process would enhance accessibility and speed up procedures. By adopting practices aligned with other intellectual property systems in major jurisdictions, India can ensure that its GI regime remains competitive globally.
These proposed changes reflect the growing importance of GIs in promoting India’s cultural heritage and protecting the livelihoods of those who create and produce these unique products. Modernizing the GI Act will not only make the system more efficient but also open up new opportunities for Indian GI products on the world stage.
