Geographical indications and traditional specialities in the European Union

Geographical indications and traditional specialities in the European Union are a set of regulations and standards that protect the names of specific products to promote their unique characteristics, linked to their geographical origin as well as traditional know-how. These protections are part of the EU's quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs, which aim to ensure fair competition for farmers and producers, and to provide reliable information to consumers.

Overview

The European Union has established a system to protect and promote the names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs. This system is based on three main schemes:

• Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
• Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
• Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG)

Each of these schemes serves a different purpose and has specific criteria that products must meet to qualify for protection.

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

A PDO is used to protect the names of products that have the strongest links to the place in which they are made. To qualify for a PDO, every part of the production, processing, and preparation process must take place in the specific region. Examples include Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma.

Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

A PGI indicates a link with the region in at least one of the stages of production, processing, or preparation. This means that the product can be made outside the region, but it must have a reputation, quality, or other characteristics attributable to that geographical origin. Examples include Scotch Whisky and Tuscany olive oil.

Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG)

A TSG highlights traditional character, either in the composition or means of production, without being linked to a specific geographical area. This scheme is designed to protect traditional methods and recipes. Examples include Pizza Napoletana and Jamón Serrano.

Legal Framework

The legal framework for these protections is primarily established by Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012. This regulation outlines the criteria for registration, the application process, and the enforcement of these quality schemes. It also provides for the establishment of a register of protected names.

Benefits

The protection of geographical indications and traditional specialities offers several benefits:

• Economic Value: It helps producers obtain a premium price for their products and protects them from unfair competition.
• Cultural Heritage: It preserves traditional methods and recipes, contributing to the cultural heritage of regions.
• Consumer Trust: It provides consumers with reliable information about the origin and quality of products.

Challenges

Despite the benefits, there are challenges associated with these schemes:

• Complexity of Registration: The process of registering a product can be complex and time-consuming.
• Enforcement: Ensuring compliance and enforcement across different countries can be difficult.
• Global Recognition: While the EU system is well-established, gaining recognition and protection in non-EU countries can be challenging.

Also see

• European Union law
• Intellectual property law
• Agricultural policy of the European Union
• Food safety in the European Union