A Geographical Indication (GI) is a name or sign which identifies goods as having a specific geographical origin, and possessing qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are essentially attributable to products from that place of origin. GIs have been recognised in Vietnam since the promulgation of the Vietnam IP Law in 2005. Per Article 4.22 of the Vietnam IP Law in 2005, “A geographical indication means a sign which identifies a product as originating from a specific region, locality, territory or country”. Vietnam has over fifteen years of experience in GI protection, and GIs are considered an important tool for socio-economic development in the country.

The National Office of Intellectual Property of Viet Nam has recently issued the Decision No. 2835/QD-SHTT on granting Geographical Indication Registration Certificate No. 00069 for “Hà Giang” Shan tuyết tea. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hà Giang Province is the organization in charge of managing this GI.