GI Tag of Assam 2026: New GI Products List
Assam has a rich tradition of agriculture, handloom, handicrafts, food products and indigenous cultural items. Many of these products have received Geographical Indication (GI) registration because their special quality, reputation or characteristics are linked to Assam.
As of 2026, 44 GI-registered entries are specifically listed under Assam in the latest additions to the official GI record. In addition, Assam Mising Handloom Products is a GI shared by Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Therefore, for study purposes, Assam has 45 GI-registered entries linked to the state, including the shared Mising Handloom Products.
Four new GI products were added in 2026:
- Assamese Bihu Pepa
- Karbi Anglong Handloom Products
- Assam Bamboo Crafts
- Assam Deori Handloom Products
The four new registrations were announced in June 2026.
What is a GI Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is an intellectual property right used for products that originate from a particular geographical area and have qualities, reputation or characteristics connected with that location.
In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
The GI system helps:
- protect the traditional name and identity of a product;
- prevent unauthorised use of a registered geographical name;
- protect farmers, artisans, weavers and producers;
- improve the market value of traditional products;
- promote India’s cultural and geographical heritage.
A GI registration is generally valid for 10 years and can be renewed.
GI Tagged Products of Assam 2026
Agricultural Products
01 - Assam Orthodox Tea
02 - Assam Karbi Anglong Ginger
03 - Tezpur Litchi
04 - Joha Rice of Assam
05 - Boka Chaul
06 - Chokuwa Rice of Assam
07 - Kaji Nemu
08 - Bodo Keradapini
09 - Bodo Gongar Dunjia
10 - Bodo Khardwi
11 - Bodo Narzi
Food Products
12 - Bodo Napham - Fermented Fish
13 - Bodo Ondla
14 - Bodo Gwkha - Gwkhwi
Silk, Handloom and Handicrafts
15 - Muga Silk of Assam
16 - Muga Silk of Assam Logo
17 - Gamosa of Assam
18 - Majuli Mask of Assam
19 - Assam Majuli Manuscript Painting
20 - Bodo Aronai
21 - Bodo Dokhona
22 - Bodo Eri Silk
23 - Bodo Jwmgra
24 - Bodo Gamsa
25 - Bodo Thorkha
26 - Bodo Kham
27 - Bodo Serja
28 - Bodo Sifung
29 - Bodo Gongona
30 - Bodo Jotha
31 - Assam Jaapi
32 - Assam Asharikandi Terracotta Craft
33 - Assam Bihu Dhol
34 - Assam Pani Meteka Craft
35 - Sarthebari Metal Craft
36 - Axomiya Gohona - Assamese Jewellery
Manufactured Products
37 - Judima
38 - Bodo Jou Gwran
39 - Bodo Jou Gishi
40 - Bodo Maibra Jou Bidwi
Shared GI Associated with Assam
41 - Assam Mising Handloom Products
New GI Registrations in 2026
42 - Assamese Bihu Pepa
43 - Karbi Anglong Handloom Products
44 - Assam Bamboo Crafts
45 - Assam Deori Handloom Products
Why is the GI Tag Important for Assam?
GI tags are important for Assam because many of its products are closely connected with its land, communities and traditional knowledge.
1. Protects traditional products
GI registration helps protect products from fake or unauthorised use of their geographical names.
For example, GI recognition helps protect the identity of Muga Silk, Gamosa and traditional Assam crafts.
2. Protects farmers and artisans
Many GI products are made by farmers, weavers and rural artisans. GI recognition can help them build a stronger market identity.
3. Increases market value
A recognised GI product can gain better consumer trust and may get a premium price when properly marketed.
4. Preserves culture
Products such as Gamosa, Jaapi, Bihu Dhol, Majuli Mask and Bodo traditional products are part of Assam’s cultural heritage.
GI recognition encourages the continuation of these traditional skills.
5. Creates employment
Better demand for GI products can create opportunities for farmers, weavers, craftsmen and small businesses.
- Helps tourism
GI products can also become part of Assam’s tourism identity. Visitors can buy authentic local products and learn about the communities behind them.
- Promotes Assam in national and international markets
GI recognition can help Assam build stronger regional brands and improve the visibility of its traditional products.
Challenges Faced by GI Products in Assam
Getting a GI tag is only the first step. The bigger challenge is converting GI recognition into real economic benefits for producers.
- Lack of awareness
Many farmers and artisans may not fully understand the benefits and legal protection provided by a GI tag.
- Fake and duplicate products
Traditional products may face competition from cheaper imitation products that use similar names or designs.
- Weak branding and marketing
Many GI products of Assam are still not well known outside the state.
Better packaging, branding, online marketing and promotion are needed.
- Limited market access
Small artisans often have difficulty reaching large national and international markets.
- Traditional skills are declining
Younger generations may not always want to continue traditional crafts because of low and uncertain income.
This can put traditional knowledge at risk.
- Lack of modern infrastructure
Some producers need better facilities for production, storage, packaging, transportation and quality control.
- GI tag does not automatically increase income
A GI registration provides legal recognition, but it does not by itself guarantee higher prices or higher sales.
Strong producer organisations, marketing, quality control and government support are also necessary.
Conclusion
The GI-tagged products of Assam represent the state’s agricultural wealth, handloom traditions, tribal heritage, traditional food and cultural identity.
From Assam Orthodox Tea and Muga Silk to Joha Rice, Gamosa, Majuli Mask, Bodo products, Judima and traditional handicrafts, these products show the diversity of Assam.
The four new GI registrations in 2026 — Bihu Pepa, Karbi Anglong Handloom Products, Assam Bamboo Crafts and Deori Handloom Products — further strengthen Assam’s GI portfolio.
However, GI recognition alone is not enough. Assam needs better branding, market access, quality control, digital marketing and support for artisans and farmers so that the benefits of GI protection reach the actual producers.
In short, GI tags can help Assam protect its heritage, support rural livelihoods and promote its traditional products to markets in India and abroad.