EU-Japan: An additional 42 geographical indications protected for both sides
In the framework of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, both parties will protect an additional 42 geographical indications (GIs), such as Raclette de Savoie, Vinagre de Jerez for the EU and sanuki shiro miso (miso paste), or Osaka wine for Japan. This is the third time that the list of geographical indications protected in Japan and in the EU is extended, following the additions of 56 GIs in February 2021 and 56 in February 2022.
The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force on 1 February 2019, protects the listed agri-food names against imitation and usurpation, bringing mutual trade benefits and introducing consumers to guaranteed, authentic products from two regions with a rich culinary and cultural tradition. Until today’s addition, 263 EU GIs and 112 Japanese GIs were protected by both sides, representing a total of 375 registered food and drink products. The decision to amend the GIs annexes was signed on 27 September in Japan by representatives of both parties and will enter into force on 30 September 2023. The EU and Japan agreed at the same time to add up to 6 GIs from Japan by the end of this year and to decide in 2025 on another extension of the list of protected GIs.
The Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Japan is one of the most important agreement so far as regards agri-food business. Japan is the 5th largest outlet for EU’s agrifood exports. The main products exported by the EU to Japan include pork, wines and spirits, cigars and cigarettes, cheese, chocolate and sugar confectionery and other processed agricultural goods. The EU imports mainly soups and sauces, vegetable products, as well as food and cereal preparations.
Background
More than 5,000 GIs (EU and non-EU) are protected in the EU. Those are protected either through GI applications submitted directly by the EU or third country applicants (usually producers or producer groups), or via international agreements, such as the EU-Japan agreement, concluded between the EU and third countries. The GIs cover agricultural products, wines and spirit drinks, under its EU quality schemes.
Geographical indications are intellectual property rights that protect the names of specific products, whose characteristics, quality attributes or reputation are linked to the area of production.
More information
EU – Japan Economic Partnership Agreement
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