The Hindu Business Line : Alleppey Coir gets GI registration

Kochi, July 19 Alleppey Coir has received registration under Geographical Indications (GI) Act from the Union Commerce Ministry, which will pave way for better understanding of coir and coir products globally.

Mr A.C. Jose, Chairman of the Coir Board, said that the advantage of GI registration is that the products would be certified for its origin; would result in elimination of imitations; and a proper inspection mechanism during the registration process would ensure quality.

This recognition to coir is the result of regular interaction by the Coir Board with GI Registry at Chennai, he added.

Appropriate Inspection

Consequent to the registration of Alleppey Coir as a GI, it would help the products covered by Alleppey Coir from being duplicated by other manufacturers within the country and outside.

This will also ensure supply of quality coir products as per notified specification to the consumers after appropriate inspection, he said. The registration certificate will be formally handed over by Mr Gopalkrishna Pillai, Secretary to the Coir Board Chairman, on July 24 at Alappuzha.

The Union Government enacted the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, to provide for registration and better protection of geographical indications related to goods in India.

Special Quality

The GI registration gives the registered proprietor and its authorised users, the legal right to the exclusive use of the GI and also the right to obtain relief in case of its infringement. Exclusion of unauthorised persons from misusing GI would ensure that genuine products of the rightful producers are marketed.