|
| EU mulls unique protection to Darjeeling tea |
| Priyanka Tikoo/PTI / Brussels Oct 15, 2009, 14:23 IST |
|
India's Darjeeling tea, considered the finest in the world, may be granted by the European Union a unique status that will ensure that no individual or an enterprise is granted its patent.
The European Commission has sought public comments on the proposal from India seeking the 'Geographical Indication (GI)' protection for Darjeeling tea, spokesperson for Agriculture and Rural Department Michael Mann told Indian media here.
The Darjeeling tea producers have sent a complete "dossier" on the product to the EC.
Under the WTO dispensation, if a GI is granted to a product specific to a climate area or a region like Champagne, it should not be allowed to be patented for exclusive use.
Mann said six months have been given for objections and comments before a decision is taken for grant of GI to Darjeeling tea which, when brewed, has a distinctive, naturally occurring aroma and cannot be replicated.
He said it was for the first time that a non-European has approached the EC for a GI protection.
Mann said as many as 800 products are enjoying GI protection in the 27-nation European Union bloc.
Earlier this year, a senior Tea Board official had said that Darjeeling tea has already been given this protection in Germany and the UK.
Several Indian products, like basmati rice, specific to its climate and certain regional features, were granted patents in the world compelling the Indian government to react strongly. Several such incidents took place in the US.
In all, India exported 203 million kg of tea, valued at Rs 2,392 crore in 2008. Major buyers included UAE, UK, USA, Iran, Japan, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Read Business news in |  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertisements |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Content Guide
