New Delhi, Aug 4: India has set an ambitious target of achieving 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) registrations by 2030, as the government seeks to strengthen the country’s heritage economy and expand global market access for region-specific products through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
According to an official factsheet released on Tuesday, India’s GI ecosystem has witnessed significant growth over the past decade, with more than 800 GI products currently registered and 607 GI tags granted since 2014. The number of authorised GI users has also increased sharply from 365 to over 29,000 as of January 2025.
To encourage wider participation, the government has reduced the fee for filing GI applications and related processes by 80 per cent under the 2025 amendment. The renewal fee has also been lowered from Rs 3,000 to Rs 500, making the registration process more accessible for producers and artisan groups.
The government said Free Trade Agreements are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the global recognition of Indian GI products by reducing trade barriers and improving export opportunities. As a result, protection and promotion of GI products have become an important component of India’s ongoing trade negotiations.
GI tags certify the authenticity and geographical origin of products, helping protect traditional knowledge while preventing imitation and misuse. They also enable artisans, weavers, farmers, and producer groups to access premium markets, improve product value, and strengthen consumer confidence.
The factsheet highlighted that government initiatives supporting financial assistance, export promotion, tourism integration, and dedicated marketing platforms are transforming GI products into drivers of rural development, cultural preservation, and export-led growth.
Citing the example of Karnataka’s Channapatna wooden toys, which received GI recognition in 2006, the government noted that GI certification not only safeguards traditional craftsmanship but also enhances market visibility and income opportunities. According to the Ministry of Textiles, GI recognition can increase rural artisans’ incomes by 20–30 per cent, while preserving India’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.