Kolhapuri Chappals

Kolhapuri Chappals

Kolhapuri Chappals are a traditional type of handcrafted leather footwear originating from Kolhapur, a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra

History and Origin

• Origin: Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.

• Tradition: Dates back over 800 years. Originally made by the cobblers of Maharashtra, especially from the Chamar community.

• Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: They have earned this status for their uniqueness and historical significance tied to the Kolhapur region.

• Made from 100% leather, sourced from cow, buffalo, or goat.

• Tanned using natural vegetable dyes, which make them non-allergenic and eco-friendly.

What is a Geographical Indication?

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are essentially attributable to that origin.

Key Features:

• Link to Location: The product must originate from a specific place or region.

• Unique Characteristics: The product’s qualities or reputation must be due to that geographic location’s natural or human factors (climate, soil, traditional know-how, etc.).

• Legal Protection: GI status is granted by law, protecting the product name from misuse or imitation by producers outside that region.

• GI tags cover a wide range of products including textiles, handicrafts, food items, and agricultural products.

Current status of GI Tags in India:

The first GI tag was given to Darjeeling tea in 2004-05.

The number of GI tags issued by the department till July 2024 stands at 605.

Uttar Pradesh is the leading state in highest number of GI-tagged products followed by Tamil Nadu.

Important GI-Tagged Goods in 2024 by State/UT

 Initiatives to Strengthen GI Tags in India

• GI Logo & Tagline: Tagline"Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India" represents the spirit of Geographical Indications of India

• Promoting GI Exports. APEDA facilitates GI product exports. Examples: Naga Mircha (Nagaland) and Black Rice (Manipur) to UK, Assam Lemon to Italy.

• One District One Product (ODOP): Promotes one key product per district. Products are identified under Districts as Export Hubs (DEH), and GI-tagged products.

• Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): Connects GI-tagged products with buyers across India and globally.

Global Framework on Geographical Indications (GI)

International Treaties & Agreements:

1. TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights)

   • Administered by the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1995.

   • Requires member countries to provide minimum standards of protection for Gis.

   • Covers agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine, and spirits specifically, with broader protection encouraged for other goods.

2. Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883)

   • An early international agreement supporting protection of industrial property, including indications of source.

3. Lisbon Agreement (1958)

   • Administered by WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization).

   • Provides international registration of appellations of origin, which are a special type of GI, offering stronger protection but fewer countries are members.

4. Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement (2015)

   • Modernizes and expands the Lisbon system for GI protection internationally.

Indian Framework on Geographical Indications

Legal Basis:

• Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999

  • Governs GI registration and protection in India.

  • Came into force in 2003.

  • Administered by the Geographical Indications Registry located in Chennai.

     

Registration Process:

• Registration valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

Nodal Department :DPIIT , Ministry of commerce and industry