The EU Commission has decided to recognize protection for some artisanal activities such as Limoges porcelain Bohemian glass, Limoges porcelain, i German knives Solingen” and “Irish Donegal tweed,” “whose reputation and quality derive from their place of origin.”
Just as happened with champagne, Parma ham, the European Union’s recognition now goes beyond agricultural production to some artisanal products. By virtue of a law adopted in 2023, artisans such as glass blowers, ceramists, cutlers Jewelers will be able to register the name of their products in this new system of geographical indications from 1 December.
The extension of geographical indication (GI) brands for non-food products had been requested for years by artisans and the European Parliament. The goal is to fight counterfeiting and support the affected sectors. This law is inspired by the more than 30 years of existence of agricultural geographical indications, which protect more than 3,600 designations, generate around 75 billion euros per year and represent around 15% of EU food and drink exports, according to Bruxelles.