Archive · 17 Dec 2025
India Challenges EU on Basmati GI Tag
India and Pakistan want special rights to sell basmati rice in Europe, called a GI tag.
This tag would mean only they can call their rice basmati.
But some European rice sellers don't want this because they have their own basmati brands.
The European Union is deciding what to do.
India thinks the tag is important for its culture, but the EU and European sellers are worried it might not be fair.
They are talking about it, but it's taking a long time.
India has already got the tag in some African countries, but they really want it in Europe because that's where they sell a lot of rice.
India and Pakistan seek a GI tag for basmati rice in the EU, facing opposition from European rice millers.
The EU is evaluating the applications and considering arguments from both sides.
India rejects a joint application with Pakistan due to sovereignty concerns over included Indian regions.
The EU pressures India and Pakistan to apply jointly for the GI tag and decouple it from FTA negotiations.
India has obtained the GI tag for basmati in 21 countries, mostly in Africa, but seeks it in major markets like the EU.
- Who
- India, Pakistan, European Union, European rice millers
- What
- India and Pakistan seek a GI tag for basmati rice in the EU, facing opposition from European rice millers and the EU's evaluation process.
- When
- Ongoing, with India's application filed in 2018 and Pakistan's in 2024.
- Where
- European Union, with implications for global basmati rice trade.
- Why
- India views the GI tag as a cultural and traditional asset, while the EU and European rice millers oppose it due to potential market limitations.
India's Stance
EU and European Mills' Stance
GI Tag for Basmati Rice
India's Stance
India seeks exclusive rights to market basmati rice in the EU, viewing the GI tag as a cultural and traditional asset.
EU and European Mills' Stance
The EU and European rice millers oppose the GI tag, arguing it could limit their ability to sell basmati under existing brands.
Joint Application with Pakistan
India's Stance
India rejects a joint application with Pakistan due to sovereignty concerns over included Indian regions.
EU and European Mills' Stance
The EU pressures India and Pakistan to apply jointly for the GI tag.
FTA Negotiations
India's Stance
India insists on including the GI tag for basmati in FTA negotiations with the EU.
EU and European Mills' Stance
The EU wants to decouple the GI tag issue from the FTA, focusing on other trade aspects.
- Products Affected
- Basmati rice
- EU Measures
- Evaluating GI tag applications from India and Pakistan
- Duration of Evaluation
- Ongoing
- Impacted Countries
- India, Pakistan
- EU's Stance
- Considering arguments for and against the GI tag
- FERM's Opposition
- European rice millers oppose the GI tag for basmati
- India's GI Tag Achievements
- GI tag for basmati in 21 countries, mostly in Africa
- EU's SPS Rules
- Non-negotiable in FTA talks with India
