Experts Urge Government to Strengthen Quality Control Mechanisms for GI-Tagged Products

Experts suggest that the government should enhance the Geographical Indications (GI) law, specifically in quality control and post-registration monitoring, as the current framework lacks robust mechanisms to ensure the consistent quality of these products.

They have recommended that the proposed amendment to the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, should include statutory liabilities for inspection bodies and establish a formalized quality control process. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has requested input and comments from stakeholders on these suggested changes.

"This revision would be significant pursuant to the 2020 amendment of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Rules, 2002, whereunder consent from the registered proprietor was no longer required to be provided along with applications for registration as an authorised user," Mishra said.