Geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products

Key points

The EESC:

• welcomes the Commission’s initiative on the protection of geographical indications (GIs) for industrial and craft products at EU level, which fills the gap in legislation on these types of products;
• believes that Geographical indication protection promotes the development of regions, especially the less developed regions, encouraging producers by ensuring that their products are recognised and protected against imitations, attracting communities and maintaining them by providing more skilled and better paid job opportunities, and boosting sustainable tourism, especially niche tourism based on the region's reputation.
• is not convinced that this legislative option is preferable to that of extending the existing framework for agricultural products and foodstuffs, wines and spirits to cover industrial and craft products;
• considers it essential that the geographical indication symbol to be used should be attractive and suitable for all new forms of communication, from traditional labels to more advanced digital communication;
• deems it essential that the transition from geographical indication protection at national level to EU level be swift and straightforward;
• recommends that the Commission closely monitor any disputes that may arise in the certification processes, in particular with non-EU countries, and exercise its negotiating power.

For more information please contact the INT Section Secretariat.