Limoges porcelain, Laguiole knives, seats from Liffol, granite from Brittany, monoi from Tahiti, Marseille soap… These are some of the 800 products that could obtain the new European geographical indication label that the European Commission is proposing to create.
The objective is to protect artisanal and industrial know-how based on the originality and authenticity of traditional practices.
This model, based on the success of the system of designation of origin for agricultural goods, wines and spirits, has long been demanded by manufacturers and regions throughout the Union.
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The new framework, of which France should be one of the main beneficiaries, will replace the national mechanisms in force in certain countries of the Union.
It will apply in particular to jewellery, textiles, lace, cutlery, glass and porcelain, provided they are manufactured (at least in part) in the defined geographical area, and present a quality or characteristic linked to this geographical origin.
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The label will help manufacturers to enforce the intellectual property rights of their products across the EU, as well as internationally.
Facilitating the fight against counterfeits, especially on the internet.
This will contribute
"to the creation of qualified jobs, in particular in SMEs, and to the development of tourism also in more rural or economically weak areas",
assures Thierry Breton, Commissioner in charge of the Internal Market.
The text still needs to be validated by the European Parliament and the Member States.
France, which holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, intends to move forward quickly.
Entry into force is scheduled for January 2024.