Council Elections - 2026

GI in Carpet Sector

GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (GI) OF INDIAN CARPETS & FLOOR COVERINGS

Celebrating India’s Traditional Carpet & Weaving Heritage

India has a rich legacy of handmade carpets, rugs, durries, mats and other floor coverings. Each product represents the traditional craftsmanship, cultural heritage and geographical identity of the region from which it originates.

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property that identifies goods originating from a specific geographical area, where their quality, reputation or other characteristics are essentially attributable to that geographical origin.

The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 provides legal protection to such products in India.

The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, recognises the importance of GI registration in preserving India’s traditional carpet-making heritage, protecting the identity of regional products and promoting Indian handmade carpets in domestic and international markets.


GI-REGISTERED CARPETS & FLOOR COVERINGS OF INDIA

The following products are associated with India’s traditional carpet, durrie, mat and floor-covering industry and are listed in the GI Class 27 segment.

1. Handmade Carpets of Bhadohi

State: Uttar Pradesh

Bhadohi is one of India’s most renowned handmade carpet manufacturing centres. Its carpet industry is recognised for traditional hand-knotting, intricate designs, skilled weaving and a rich heritage of carpet craftsmanship. Bhadohi carpets enjoy a strong reputation in international markets.

2. Mirzapur Handmade Durries

State: Uttar Pradesh

Mirzapur Handmade Durries represent the traditional handloom weaving heritage of the Mirzapur region. These floor coverings reflect the region’s weaving skills, distinctive patterns and traditional production practices.

3. Agra Durries

State: Uttar Pradesh

Agra Durries are associated with the traditional weaving heritage of Agra. These handmade floor coverings showcase regional craftsmanship, traditional designs and the skills of local artisans.

4. Kashmiri Hand-knotted Carpets

State: Jammu & Kashmir

Kashmiri Hand-knotted Carpets are renowned for their intricate patterns, fine craftsmanship and traditional knotting techniques. Their designs often feature floral motifs and elaborate patterns reflecting the region’s rich artistic heritage.

5. Navalgund Durries

State: Karnataka

Navalgund Durries represent the traditional weaving heritage of Karnataka. They are known for their distinctive geometric patterns, vibrant colours and traditional handloom techniques.

6. Warangal Durries

State: Telangana

Warangal Durries showcase the traditional weaving skills of Telangana. Their characteristic patterns, colourful designs and handwoven construction reflect the region’s longstanding textile heritage.

7. Ghazipur Wall Hangings

State: Uttar Pradesh

Ghazipur Wall Hangings represent the traditional craftsmanship of Uttar Pradesh. These decorative textile products showcase the artistic skills and weaving traditions of the region.

8. Gwalior Handmade Carpets

State: Madhya Pradesh

Gwalior Handmade Carpets reflect the traditional carpet-making skills of Madhya Pradesh. Their production is associated with handmade weaving practices and the craftsmanship of local carpet artisans.

9. Arunachal Pradesh Handmade Carpets

State: Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh Handmade Carpets represent the traditional weaving heritage of the state. They reflect the cultural identity, artistic expressions and craftsmanship of local communities.

10. Bhavani Jamakkalam

State: Tamil Nadu

Bhavani Jamakkalam is a traditional handwoven textile product originating from Bhavani in Tamil Nadu. It is recognised for its distinctive checks, stripes, bold colour combinations and durable weaving. Its GI registration covers Classes 24 and 27.

11. Pattamadai Pai (Pattamadai Mat)

State: Tamil Nadu

Pattamadai Pai is a traditional handwoven mat originating from Pattamadai in Tamil Nadu. Made from korai grass, these mats are known for their exceptionally fine weaving, smooth texture and traditional craftsmanship.

12. Alleppey Coir

State: Kerala

Alleppey Coir represents Kerala’s traditional coir industry. Made using natural coconut fibre, these products include mats, floor coverings and other coir-based products, reflecting the region’s long-standing coir-processing and weaving heritage.

13. Himachal Handmade Galicha (Carpet)

State: Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Handmade Galicha represents the traditional handmade carpet-weaving heritage of Himachal Pradesh. The product reflects the region’s traditional craftsmanship and distinctive weaving practices.

GI Application No.: 1520 | Class: 27

Registered on 28 March 2026.


UNDERSTANDING GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS

What is a GI Tag?

A Geographical Indication identifies goods as originating from a particular geographical area, where a specific quality, reputation or other characteristic of the product is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.

GI registration provides legal recognition and protection to the geographical identity of a product and helps prevent its unauthorised use.

Benefits of GI Registration

  • Legal Protection: Protects the geographical name and identity of registered products against unauthorised use.
  • Authenticity: Helps consumers identify genuine products originating from the designated geographical area.
  • Recognition of Artisans: Promotes traditional skills, craftsmanship and the cultural heritage of local communities.
  • Market Differentiation: Helps distinguish authentic regional products from imitations.
  • Export Promotion: Enhances the international recognition and market positioning of Indian handmade carpets and floor coverings.
  • Economic Development: Supports the collective interests of producers and contributes to the economic development of the concerned geographical region.

HOW TO APPLY FOR GI REGISTRATION

Apply Online Through DPIIT – Government of India

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, administers the Geographical Indications framework through the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) and the Geographical Indications Registry.

The Government of India launched the dedicated GI e-Filing Portal on 15 September 2026 to facilitate online filing of GI applications.

All applicants are required to use the official Government GI e-Filing Portal for online application and related GI filing services.

Official GI e-Filing Portal:
https://online.ipindia.gov.in/eGir/login

1. Who Can Apply for GI Registration?

An application for registration of a Geographical Indication may be submitted by:

  • An association of persons or producers.
  • An organisation representing the interests of producers.
  • A statutory authority or other organisation established under applicable law.

The applicant must represent the interests of the producers of the concerned geographical product.

Individual manufacturers or traders cannot ordinarily seek registration of a geographical indication independently in their personal capacity. The application must represent the collective interests of the producers concerned.

2. Information and Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following information and supporting documents before initiating the online application:

Details of the applicant organisation, association or producer group.

Name and description of the geographical product.

Statement of Case explaining the geographical origin and significance of the product.

Historical background and origin of the product.

Details of the geographical area and its boundaries.

Two certified copies of the geographical map of the concerned area, as prescribed.

Description of the product’s unique qualities, characteristics and reputation.

Details of traditional production and manufacturing processes.

Evidence establishing the relationship between the product and its geographical origin.

Details of producers, artisans and manufacturers associated with the product.

Proposed inspection and quality-control mechanism.

Affidavit establishing how the applicant represents the interests of the producers.

Other prescribed declarations, supporting documents and applicable fees.

The documents and information must comply with the requirements of the GI Act, Rules and the latest DPIIT/Intellectual Property India filing guidelines.

3. Online GI Application Process

Step 1 – Visit the Official Portal

Access the Government of India’s GI e-Filing Portal:

https://online.ipindia.gov.in/eGir/login

Register or sign in as applicable to access the available GI filing services.

Step 2 – Select the Appropriate Application

Select the relevant GI application or filing service available on the portal. Choose the appropriate application category and goods classification.

For carpet and floor-covering products, the relevant classification is generally Class 27, subject to the applicable classification of the specific goods.

Step 3 – Enter Applicant and Product Details

Provide the details of the applicant organisation, geographical indication, product description, geographical area and other prescribed information.

Step 4 – Upload Supporting Documents

Upload the Statement of Case, geographical map, historical background, product specifications, production details, evidence and other supporting documents in the prescribed format.

Step 5 – Pay the Applicable Fee

Pay the prescribed application fee through the payment facility available on the official portal.

Step 6 – Submit the Application

Review the application and supporting documents before submitting it electronically. Save the application acknowledgement and reference number for future correspondence and tracking.

Step 7 – Examination by the GI Registry

The application is examined by the competent authority. The applicant may be required to provide clarifications, additional documents or responses to examination objections.

Step 8 – Publication and Opposition

Once accepted, the application is published in the Geographical Indications Journal. Interested parties may file opposition within the prescribed statutory period.

Step 9 – Registration Certificate

After successful completion of the statutory process and disposal of any opposition proceedings, the GI is registered and the registration certificate is issued by the competent authority.


HOW CAN INDIVIDUAL WEAVERS AND MANUFACTURERS BECOME AUTHORISED USERS?

If a Geographical Indication has already been registered for a particular product, eligible individual artisans, weavers, manufacturers and producers may apply separately for registration as an Authorised User of that GI.

Registration as an Authorised User provides formal recognition to eligible producers under the registered geographical indication.

Who Can Apply?

  • Individual carpet weavers and artisans.
  • Handmade carpet manufacturers.
  • Durrie and mat producers.
  • Eligible producer groups and cooperative members.
  • Other persons recognised as producers under the GI Act.

Documents Generally Required

  • Applicant’s identity and address details.
  • Details of the registered GI product.
  • Proof of involvement in the production or manufacture of the GI product.
  • Statement explaining the applicant’s status as a producer.
  • Consent or recommendation from the registered proprietor, where applicable.
  • Supporting documents and prescribed declarations.

How to Apply?

Eligible applicants should access the official DPIIT / Intellectual Property India GI e-Filing Portal and select the relevant Authorised User filing service, wherever available.

Official Portal: https://online.ipindia.gov.in/eGir/login

Applications must comply with the applicable provisions of the GI Act and Rules and the prescribed filing requirements.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • GI registration of a product and registration of an individual producer as an Authorised User are separate processes.
  • A GI registration does not automatically grant Authorised User status to every manufacturer or trader.
  • Only eligible producers associated with the designated geographical area and satisfying the prescribed requirements may apply as Authorised Users.
  • The registered GI name must be used in accordance with its registered geographical area and product specifications.
  • A registered GI is ordinarily valid for ten years and may be renewed in accordance with the applicable provisions.

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

For authoritative information, online applications, prescribed forms, application status and GI registration guidelines, applicants may visit the following Government of India websites:

1. GI e-Filing Portal – DPIIT / Intellectual Property India
https://online.ipindia.gov.in/eGir/login

2. Intellectual Property India – Official Website
https://ipindia.gov.in/

3. GI Public Search – Registered Products and Application Status
https://search.ipindia.gov.in/GIRPublicSearch/

4. GI Registration Guidelines and Filing Procedure
https://ipindia.gov.in/gi-filing-process-step-by-step


ROLE OF CARPET EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL

The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) is committed to promoting Indian handmade carpets, rugs, durries and other floor coverings in domestic and international markets.

The Council encourages awareness of Geographical Indications among carpet manufacturers, exporters, artisans, weavers and producer organisations to help preserve India’s traditional craftsmanship and strengthen the global recognition of Indian handmade products.

Through industry outreach, awareness and trade promotion initiatives, CEPC seeks to support the recognition and promotion of India’s rich geographical and cultural heritage.

Note: CEPC is providing this information for general awareness and industry guidance. GI applications, Authorised User applications, payments, document submission and statutory proceedings are to be undertaken through the official Government of India GI e-Filing Portal under DPIIT / Intellectual Property India. CEPC does not accept or process GI registration applications.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended for general guidance. Applicants should refer to the latest official instructions, applicable fees, prescribed forms and statutory requirements published by DPIIT and Intellectual Property India.