The EU launches the new geographical indications system for handmade and industrial products

Brussels, December 1, 2025 The European Union has today officially opened the procedure through which manufacturers of craft and industrial goods can register the names of their products in the new European system of geographical indications (GI) for non-agricultural products. This measure marks for the first time the extension of GI protection beyond food and beverages, completing the Single Market of geographical indications and providing a uniform framework for goods whose quality and reputation depend on a specific origin.

In short The EU has created a new system through which artisans and industrial producers can protect the names of products linked to a region, just as wines or cheeses are protected.

Products such as glass, porcelain, knives, or traditional textiles can now be registered and officially recognized throughout Europe.

The aim is to help producers protect their work, preserve local traditions, and assist consumers in recognizing authentic and quality products.

The system allows artisans and industrial producers to protect their creations, benefiting from European recognition for products such as Bohemian glass, Limoges porcelain, Solingen knives, or Donegal tweed. The objective is to protect local traditions, strengthen regional economies, and provide consumers with a clear guarantee of the authenticity and quality of goods.

Producers can submit their application individually or through a recognized association, requiring a "product specification" that describes the name, manufacturing process, and geographical area. The procedures are usually managed by the national authorities in the member states; however, seven countries – Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, and Sweden – benefit from a temporary derogation, allowing direct submission to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the institution responsible for the entire process.

The Commission emphasizes that the GI scheme for non-agricultural products has significant economic and cultural impact: it supports local jobs, combats online and offline counterfeiting, and transforms traditional heritage into a competitive advantage in the European and international market. The new system will also facilitate access for a wider range of products to the uniform legal protection in the EU, comparable to the already established regime for wines, spirits, and other agri-food products.

The new European system of geographical indications for craft and industrial products opens a significant opportunity for local producers in Romania, who can obtain European legal protection for traditional goods with a strong regional identity. Romania has numerous crafts and industrial products with local or national renown that could be eligible for registration, as long as they can demonstrate the direct link between the quality of the product and the area of origin, according to European requirements. The registration process could involve associations of craftsmen, chambers of commerce, local authorities, cultural centers, or small enterprises with industrial and artisanal tradition. The Ministry of Economy, EUIPO, and national intellectual property bodies will play a role in providing technical and procedural support.

https://2eu.brussels/article/news/eu-launches-new-geographical-indications-system-for-craft-and-industrial-products