At present, New Zealand’s GI framework permits registration only for India’s wines and spirits. Under the FTA, the island nation will extend this benefit to “other goods” as well, a concession it had earlier granted to the European Union
Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon (left). Pic/PTIFile pic
New Zealand has made a binding commitment under its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India to amend its laws within 18 months of the pact coming into force to enable the geographical indication (GI) registration of Indian goods other than wines and spirits, news agency PTI reported.
At present, New Zealand’s GI framework permits registration only for India’s wines and spirits. Under the FTA, the island nation will extend this benefit to “other goods” as well, a concession it had earlier granted to the European Union.
GI is a form of intellectual property right, applying to agricultural, natural or manufactured products—such as handicrafts and industrial goods—that originate from a specific geographical region.
The tag assures quality and distinctiveness linked to the place of origin and provides legal protection against unauthorised use, while also helping promote exports.
“Commitment is now in place to taking all steps necessary, including amendment of its law, to facilitate the registration of India’s wines, spirits and ‘other goods’… Timelines for this are 18 months from agreement entering into force,” the commerce ministry said, according to PTI.
India and New Zealand on Monday announced the conclusion of FTA negotiations. The agreement is expected to be implemented after signing, a process that may take about seven to eight months.
Indian products with GI tags include Basmati rice, Darjeeling tea, Chanderi fabric, Mysore silk, Kullu shawl, Kangra tea, Thanjavur paintings, Allahabad Surkha, Farrukhabad prints, Lucknow Zardozi, and Kashmir walnut wood carving.
Ganesh Hingmire, founder and chairman of Great Mission Group Society (GMGS), said the move would help boost exports of GI products.
“Getting a GI tag for non-agri goods will help increase the income of our people also,” he told PTI.
India links duty concessions on NZ apples, kiwifruit, honey to agri action plans under FTA
India has linked quota-based duty concessions granted to New Zealand for apples, kiwifruit, and Manuka honey to the delivery of agriculture productivity action plans committed by the island nation under the FTA.
The implementation of these plans will be monitored by a Joint Agriculture Productivity Council (JAPC). According to the agreement, the approach aims to balance market access with protection of sensitive domestic agricultural sectors.
New Zealand has agreed to focused action plans for kiwifruit, apples and honey to improve productivity, quality and sectoral capabilities in India. Cooperation will include setting up centres of excellence, improving planting material, capacity building for growers, technical support for orchard management, post-harvest practices, supply chains and food safety.
Projects aimed at premium apple cultivation and sustainable beekeeping practices are expected to enhance production and quality standards in India.
(With PTI inputs)
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