In June, the official list of Geographical Indications (GIs) in the European Union (EU) and in China that will be protected through a bilateral agreement to be concluded this year was published
This publication opens the process for protecting the listed products against imitations and usurpations and is expected to result in reciprocal trade benefits and increased consumers' awareness and demand for high-quality products on both sides.
Some of the 100 products to be included by the European Union include Feta, Champagne, Cognac, Bayerisches Bier, Parmigiano Reggiano, Roquefort, Prosciutto di Parma and Scotch Whisky. The list includes 12 GIs from Spain (Rioja, Cava, Queso Manchego, Jerez), 25 from France, 26 from Italy and 6 from Portugal (Vinho Verde, Porto, Douro) and Greece.
Among the Chinese products aspiring to obtain GI status in the EU we can find for example Yantai Apple (Yantai Ping Guo), Hengxian Jasmine Tea (Hengxian Mo Li Hua Cha), Panjin Rice (Panjin Da Mi) and Baise Mango (Baise Mang Guo).
Protection of the names included in the lists is not automatic, and the publication of these lists is part of the standard procedure and opens a two-month period for interested parties to present their comments and objections.
EU-China cooperation on geographical indications began over 10 years ago. The GIs included in the lists will be protected once the agreement enters into force.
Geographical indications are one of the great successes of European agriculture. Currently there are over 3,300 registered names in the EU. In addition, approximately 1,250 non-EU names are also protected within the EU.
Source: The European Commission
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