How to Verify GI (Geographical Indication) Spice Claims

How do I verify a Geographical Indication (GI) claim on Indian spices?

Check the GI against the Geographical Indications Registry, confirm the mark has not lapsed, and make sure the claim is a real GI rather than a trade grade. India has 29 GI-tagged spices, but several registrations had lapsed on the 2023 register.

Two traps in GI claims

First, a GI can lapse. India has 29 GI-tagged spices, but several registrations had lapsed on the 2023 register — examples include Mizo Chilli, Sikkim Large Cardamom and Waigaon/Sangli Turmeric. A lapsed GI mark may no longer be protected, so a current "GI" claim needs verification against the Registry.

Second, some famous names are grades, not GIs. "Alleppey finger" turmeric is a traded grade, not a GI; the Alleppey GI is actually the green cardamom. The GI turmerics are Erode, Sangli, Waigaon and Kandhamal.

How to check

• —Look up the exact GI name in the Geographical Indications Registry.
• —Confirm current status — a lapsed registration is not enforceable protection.
• —Distinguish GI from grade: e.g. Alleppey GI = green cardamom, not turmeric.
• —For high-crocin claims like Kashmir Saffron, verify the GI and the lab crocin figure.

Frequently asked

Is "Alleppey finger turmeric" a GI?

No. It is a traded turmeric grade. The Alleppey GI is the green cardamom. The GI turmerics are Erode, Sangli, Waigaon and Kandhamal.

Can a GI claim be out of date?

Yes. Several spice GIs had lapsed on the 2023 register. Verify current status in the Registry before relying on the mark.