EU to Protect Traditional Crafts with New Geographical Indication Legislation

EU to Protect Traditional Crafts with New Geographical Indication Legislation

(IN BRIEF) The European Parliament and Council have agreed on a new scheme to protect the “geographical indication” of traditional crafts both in the EU and internationally. The legislation will protect the original quality and tradition of locally renowned goods such as jewellery, textiles, lace, natural stones, cutlery, glass, and porcelain. The new rules will bridge the gap between diverging national systems in the EU and provide flexibility for member states and facilities for the smallest companies and artisans. A public digital portal will be established to provide details of certification bodies, and national authorities will perform market controls to ensure products are placed on the market in accordance with their product specifications, including goods sold online.

(PRESS RELEASE) STRASBOURG, 3-May-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Parliament, the EU’s only directly-elected institution and one of the legislative bodies of the European Union, the European Council have reached an agreement on a new scheme to protect the “geographical indication” of traditional crafts both in the EU and internationally. The new legislation will protect the original quality and tradition of locally renowned goods such as jewellery, textiles, lace, natural stones, cutlery, glass, and porcelain. The new rules will bridge the gap between diverging national systems in the EU and will provide flexibility for member states and facilities for the smallest companies and artisans.

Under the new scheme, geographical indications (GIs) will be registered first at the national level, followed by an examination of the producer’s application by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Member states will be able to decide whether to set up a national registration authority or to let the EUIPO cover the whole registration process. To assist micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), national authorities will prepare their applications, and registration fees charged at the national level will take their situation into account.

National authorities will perform market controls to ensure products are placed on the market in accordance with their product specifications. These new rules will also apply to goods sold online. A public digital portal with details of certification bodies will be established to strengthen access to information.

This agreement is aimed at protecting traditional craftsmanship and ensuring its continued production for future generations. It will also protect consumers from counterfeit products and provide them with reliable information about the origin and characteristics of products.

Following the agreement, rapporteur Marion Walsmann (EPP, DE) said: “After nine hours of negotiations we have laid the foundation for the protection of traditional European craftsmanship. I am particularly pleased that we have succeeded in pushing for an efficient application mechanism with minimal administrative burden and which is particularly attractive for MSMEs, since they will benefit from an easier application process and lower fees. This new mechanism will not just help with raising the awareness of traditional products from less-developed regions, attract tourists and create jobs. It will also ensure fair competition for producers, helping them to fight counterfeit products while providing assurances for consumers that they are buying a genuine product with specific qualities.”

Next steps

This informal agreement will now have to be confirmed by the Parliament’s plenary and the Council before entering into force twenty days following its publication in the EU Official Journal. The regulation will apply two years after this date. The Commission will have to assess the results of the application every five years.

Background

The protection of geographical indications for agricultural products at EU level has been in place for many years. MEPs already called for the EU-wide protection of locally manufactured products in 2015. In 2019, they reiterated their call following the EU accession to the Geneva Act, allowing for the global recognition of local non-food products.

Media contact:

Martina VASS
Press Officer
(+32) 2 28 40172 (BXL)
(+32) 477 99 11 57
martina.vass@europarl.europa.eu
lega-press@europarl.europa.eu

SOURCE: European Parliament