On the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on European Union geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products, and quality schemes for agricultural products, amending Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013, (EU) 2017/1001 and (EU) 2019/787 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012
INTA-AD-731609
Committee on International Trade · Rapporteur: Danilo Oscar Lancini
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The Committee on International Trade gives its opinion on the Commission's proposed regulation on EU geographical indications for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products. It proposes amendments to strengthen protection, transparency and enforcement of geographical indications, both in the internal market and in trade with third countries.¶¶¶ The opinion asks that all EU geographical indications be protected under bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, that third-country geographical indications get equal treatment, and that producer groups be consulted in trade negotiations.¶¶¶ It proposes that verification and control systems apply equally to Union and third-country products, that the register be periodically updated and accessible, and that micro, small and medium producers not face disproportionate burdens.¶¶¶ It also proposes changes to rules on sustainability undertakings, labelling, domain names, producer group powers and controls, and removes several delegated acts entrusting tasks to the European Union Intellectual Property Office.¶¶¶
Committee position. The Committee on International Trade calls on the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development to take into account its amendments. It supports the Commission proposal as a good starting basis but seeks stronger international protection, transparency and enforcement of geographical indications, and equal treatment of third-country products.¶¶¶
Key points
- The rapporteur supports the Commission proposal as a good starting basis and sees room to make the geographical indication system more effective in protection and transparency.¶
- The opinion asks that geographical indications contribute to the integrity of the internal market and fair trade with third countries, and that infringements, abuses, evocations, food fraud, unfair competition and consumer deception be fought.¶
- It asks that all EU geographical indications be protected under bilateral and multilateral trade agreements through recognition of the European system.¶¶
- It asks that protection upon registration be equally available to third-country geographical indications protected in their country of origin and listed in a trade agreement, with the Commission carrying out the corresponding procedures.¶
- It proposes that citizens and consumers can expect any geographical indication and quality scheme to be backed by a robust verification and control system, regardless of whether the product comes from the Union or a third country.¶¶
- It proposes that the electronic Union register be periodically updated and give access to product specifications for all geographical indications, including those from third countries or recognised via trade agreements.¶
- It proposes that trade agreements avoid disproportionate burdens and additional costs for micro, small and medium producers, and that the regulation not discriminate against or create barriers for such applicants.¶¶
- It proposes that producer groups have the right to participate in consultative bodies, exchange information with public authorities and be consulted by the Commission in the run-up to trade negotiations on geographical indications.¶¶¶
- It proposes that third-country producers be subject to Union-comparable verification procedures set up by their oversight authorities, and that all third-country geographical indications and quality schemes be backed by an equivalent level of verification and scrutiny.¶¶
- It proposes that sustainability undertakings by producer groups be specific, take account of existing sustainable practices and may be included in the product specification, and deletes the Commission's power to define sustainability standards and a harmonised presentation.¶¶¶
- It proposes that top-level domain name registries operating in the Union revoke or transfer domain names registered without rights or legitimate interest or in bad faith, and that they recognise geographical indications as rights in dispute resolution.¶¶
- It proposes that the Commission report to Parliament and the Council on the results of tasks entrusted to the European Union Intellectual Property Office no later than 2 years after the first delegation, and deletes several delegated acts entrusting tasks to that Office.¶¶¶
Who is affected
- Producers of wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products using geographical indications, who would gain stronger protection and enforcement.¶¶¶
- Micro, small and medium-sized producers in the Union and third countries, who should not face disproportionate burdens or barriers.¶¶
- Third-country producers and authorities, who would need Union-comparable verification and could have their geographical indications protected.¶¶¶
- Domain name registries operating in the Union, which would have to revoke or transfer domain names and recognise geographical indications.¶¶
- Member States and their competent authorities, which would carry out checks, designate recognised producer groups and take steps against unlawful use.¶¶¶
Figures and deadlines
- at least two-thirds of the production of that product in the geographical area, for designating a recognised producer group¶
- by 31 March of each year, for Member States or third countries to inform the Commission of recognition decisions¶
- no later than 2 years after the first delegation of any tasks to EUIPO, for the Commission to report on the results¶