REAP fighting against India’s claim on GI tag for basmati rice in EU

December 17, 2020: Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) is fighting the battle against India’s claim on geographical indicator (GI) of Basmati in the EU. After the announcement of the application of India for GI in the European Journal, the first step was to stop India from proceeding further in its registration of GI in the European Commission by filing a notice of opposition.

This is the first step that effectively maintains the status quo, whereby making the applicant’s (India) approval of GI conditional on the decision of DG Agriculture European Commission (DG Agri).

The current status of the case is that REAP has filed a Notice of Opposition on 07-12-2020 against India’s claim on Geographical Indication (G.I) of Basmati in the European Union. The European Union has also acknowledged the filings of the 'Notice of Opposition' by REAP.

REAP is at this second step and preparing a reasoned statement to file, within 60 days as required. At the third step, hearings and other proceedings will start after this period of 60 days elapses, which will be in February 2021. The final decision on the registration of GI of Basmati will be delivered after the hearings. As the case in the EU progress, REAP will keep on updating on all the developments.

Basmati, being a centuries-old heritage of Pakistan, could not be allowed to be monopolized by India in the European market. Such a gross misrepresentation by India on the origins of Basmati is an attack on the values of fair competition among farmers and exporters in the EU. Pakistan has a legal right to export Basmati with its original name in accordance with the practice in the EU which is decades old.

REAP is confident that Pakistan has a strong case as the EU recognizes Pakistan as an authentic Basmati growing region. The G.I tag is an exclusive right to sell products in the registered market.

Press Release