Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region's Helan Inkstone recently passed the preliminary review for the geographical indication status by the Trademark Department of the National Industry and Commerce Bureau and entered into a 3-month period of notice, according to the regional Land Mining Bureau.

The region's featured products Zhongning Wolfberry, Xiji Potato and Mount Helan East Stretch Wine have been identified as geographical indication trademarks, which play a key role in respective industries.

Bid for a geographical indication status is an international established practice for the protection of local featured products.