Appellations of origin and geographical indications will be more protected from now on. The European Parliament has given the green light to a new regulation that will strengthen the productions covered by these seals, their gastronomic heritage and their defense in trade agreements.
This regulation is the result of a political agreement reached by the institutions of the European Union in autumn. In addition to modernizing DOs and PGIs, it aims to reinforce security in electronic commerce and reduce the procedures for registering these brands. The regulation will come into force within one month, once published.
The current regime presented some failures in relation to national brands and put the reputation of the stamps at risk, it was pointed out in the European Parliament at the time of approving the new regulations, according to EFE. The idea is that the new rules will improve the existing system through a more efficient registration method, which will reduce the waiting time between the application and the delivery of the badge.
Protection in electronic commerce in relation to the domain name will also be strengthened. Through geographic blocking, in line with the Digital Services Regulation, the creation of false websites will be prevented.
Offering security in the case of indications that are ingredients of prepackaged foods will be another measure. That is, when a food contains products with IPG or designation, the name of the manufacturers must be mentioned on the label.
In the EU there are more than 3,600 foods and drinks with denomination, PGI or guaranteed traditional specialties (ETG), and no less than 377 belong to products obtained in Spain, which is the third country with the most recognized seals, behind France and Italy. These foods and drinks generate more than 80,000 million euros annually, 10% of which comes from Spanish products.
Manchego cheese, Turrón de Jijona (Alicante) or Vino de Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja are some of the most famous Spanish products protected with these seals. But there are many more. Here in Catalonia, the Arròs del Delta de l'Ebre, the Pera de Lleida, the Gall del Penedès, the Llonganissa de Vic or the Calçot de Valls are covered.
