How a GI works in India
The Act came into force on 15 September 2003. A GI is applied for by an association or body representing the producers, which becomes the registered proprietor. Individual makers then register as authorised users. A registration lasts ten years and can be renewed. The public register on the IP India website shows each GI's application number, goods class, status and validity date.
A GI protects a name. It is not a quality grade for any lot and not a test result. A carpet sold as a Bhadohi GI carpet can still have loose knots, wrong size or colour bleeding. Protection abroad depends on the importing country's own law.
Eight GIs that importers often meet
| GI (application no.) | Goods | Inspection pages |
|---|---|---|
| Moradabad Metal Craft (161) | Brass and metal handicrafts | Moradabad, brass and copper décor |
| Saharanpur Wood Craft (184) | Carved wood | Saharanpur, wooden décor |
| Hand made Carpet of Bhadohi (148) | Handmade carpets | Bhadohi and Mirzapur, hand-knotted rugs |
| Firozabad Glass (155) | Glassware | Firozabad, glass décor |
| Khurja Pottery (178) | Ceramic pottery | Khurja |
| Makrana Marble (405) | Marble | marble slabs and tiles |
| Agra Leather Footwear (721) | Leather footwear | Agra, leather shoes |
| Banaras Brocades and Sarees (99) | Brocades and sarees | Varanasi, silk sarees |
All eight show as registered on the GI Registry (checked 14 October 2026).
What it means for buyers and inspection
If you will sell goods under a GI name, ask the supplier for its authorised-user registration and check its validity on the register. For quality, inspect as you would any order. Clear To Load checks GI goods against your specification and approved sample, like any other lot; we do not certify GI status. See pre-shipment inspection.
Sources
- India Code: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
- IP India GI Registry: Moradabad Metal Craft, application 161
- IP India GI Registry: Saharanpur Wood Craft, application 184
- IP India GI Registry: Hand made Carpet of Bhadohi, application 148
- IP India GI Registry: Firozabad Glass, application 155
- IP India GI Registry: Khurja Pottery, application 178
- IP India GI Registry: Makrana Marble, application 405
- IP India GI Registry: Agra Leather Footwear, application 721
- IP India GI Registry: Banaras Brocades and Sarees, application 99