GI Certification

GI certification is an intellectual property right that acknowledges a product’s origin from a specific location, with its quality, reputation, or other characteristics linked to that geographical area. This certification enhances market value, ensures product consistency, and protects the cultural heritage associated with cinnamon cultivation in Sri Lanka. 

A GI certificate can be obtained for every segment of the cinnamon value chain, from nursery artisans to exporters. This certification allows GI-certified products to be marketed effectively, highlighting their authenticity and quality.

Cinnamon related products that can get GI certification

• Cut cinnamon
• Cinnamon powder 
• Cinnamon Leaf Oil 
• Cinnamon Bark Oil 

Benefits of GI Certification

1. Market Acceptance: In a competitive market, certified cinnamon products are preferred and in higher demand.
2. Market Price Rise: Certified products can command higher prices due to their recognized quality and consistency.
3. Protection Against Misuse: GI certification provides legal protection against imitation and unauthorized use of the name.
4. Cultural Heritage: Sri Lanka preserves the traditional knowledge and cultural heritage associated with cinnamon cultivation through GI certification.

Role of Geographical Indications Association and District Level Associations 

The Sri Lanka Geographical Indications Association of Cinnamon (CCPGIA) collaborates with district-level associations, the Department of Cinnamon Development, the Export Development Board, and other relevant institutions to assist farmers in obtaining GI certification. The association is responsible for several key steps, including registering farmers, conducting training programs by integrating relevant institutions, and performing internal audits.

 How to obtain a GI certificate? 

1. Registration

• Obtain the application for registration from your District Geographical Indications Association.
• Follow the instructions provided by the Association to complete the application accurately.
• Submit the completed application to the Association.

2. Compliance with Standards

• Attend training sessions organized by the Cinnamon Geographical Indications Association, Department of Cinnamon Development, Export Development Board, or relevant institutions.
• Obtain CCGI Guide Book from the Association or the Department of Cinnamon Development.
• Prepare your premises to adhere to these instructions.

3. Record Keeping and Maintaining Consistency

• Maintain comprehensive records of all farming activities, from land preparation to harvesting and processing.
• Refer to the Farm Data Management page (link) for detailed guidance on record-keeping practices.
• At all stages, including cinnamon processing units, maintain data in accordance with the instructions and guidance received.
• Ensure that data collected across each part of the value chain can be interconnected to maintain traceability.

4. Self-Audit

• Conduct a self-audit of your premises according to the guidelines provided.
• Complete the application form for internal audit and prepare the audit report.
• Submit the application form and audit report to the Association.

5. Internal Audit 

A trained audit committee from the Sri Lanka Cinnamon Association of Geographical Indications will audit your premises and submit a compliance report to both the Export Development Board and the Department of Cinnamon Development. If compliance standards are not met, you will receive notification. Once you notify them in writing that the requirements have been met, a second internal audit will be conducted.

6. External Audit 

Once passing the internal audit, the External Audit Division of the Cinnamon Development Department will conduct a External audit and provide a compliance report to the Export Development Board. If the requirements are not met, you will receive notification. Upon your written confirmation that the requirements have been fulfilled, a second external audit will be conducted.

7. Grant of Certificates

Upon achieving 100% compliance with major requirements and 50% or more compliance with minor requirements as per the external audit report, you will be issued a geographical indication certificate by the Export Development Board.