New regulation on the protection of European craft and industrial products enters into force

The Craft and Industrial Geographical Indication (CIGI) Regulation enters into force on the 16th of November 2023. It marks a significant milestone in the protection of the names of European craft and industrial products that rely on the originality and authenticity of traditional skills from their regions.

The Regulation will harmonise the protection of valuable European craft and industrial products, such as Limoges porcelain, Solingen knives, Carrara marble, or Madeira embroidery.

Unified EU-Wide Protection: Names of craft and industrial products that meet the necessary requirements for CIGI protection will now be safeguarded at the EU level through a single registration that covers the entire EU territory. Previously, for instance, producers of 'Burgundy stone' had to register their Geographical Indication in each EU Member State, if available, to combat infringements. With the CIGI Regulation, craft and industrial producers can now obtain protection in all 27 EU Member States with just one Geographical Indication registration.