On 15 June 2026 the Geographical Indications Registry granted GI status to four Assam products; the certification was facilitated by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
The Four GI-Tagged Products
- Karbi Anglong Handloom Products: Handloom textiles linked to Karbi Anglong district; recognised for community-specific weaving traditions.
- Assam Bihu Pepa: Traditional wind instrument typically carved from buffalo horn; associated with Bihu performance practice.
- Assam Bamboo Crafts (Bah Silpa): Artisanal bamboo items produced in Assam using indigenous bamboo crafts techniques.
- Deuri Handloom Products: Textiles of the Deori community featuring region-specific motifs and traditional weaving methods.
With these additions, the number of NABARD-supported GI-certified products in Assam is 12.
Legal & Institutional Framework
- Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999: Governs GI registration in India.
- Geographical Indications Registry: Located in Chennai; functions under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- TRIPS: Article 22(1) provides the WTO definition of geographical indication.
- Eligible applicants: Associations of persons, producers, organisations or authorities representing producers.
- Rights conferred: Exclusive right to use the GI for specified goods and legal remedies against unauthorised use or false origin claims.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- First Indian GI: Darjeeling Tea was India’s first GI-tagged product (2004–05).
- Validity: Registration valid for 10 years from the date of registration; renewable.
- Process: Application → examination → public opposition period → registration.
- NABARD role: Facilitates GI applications, market linkage and ecosystem support for rural producers in Assam.