Studio Legale Pavan Website

Today, September 14, 2020, a bilateral agreement was signed between the European Union and the People's Republic of China to "protect 100 European geographical indications in China and 100 Chinese geographical indications in the European Union from usurpations and imitations".

This agreement, first concluded in November 2019, is expected to generate mutual commercial benefits and allow consumers, on both sides, to have access to certified products. "It is a sign of the will of the EU and China to honor the commitment made at previous summits and to adhere to international standards as the basis for trade relations", the Commission recalls.

With over 3,300 European names registered as geographical indications, the EU quality policy aims to protect the names of specific products to promote the characteristics and know-how linked to their geographical origin. In terms of economic value, the market for geographical indications of the European Union is equal to approximately 74.8 billion euros, or 6.8% of the EU food and beverage products, with exports of 16.9 billion euros. , which account for 15.4% of all EU exports of food and drink products.

As reiterated by the Commission "the Chinese market has a high growth potential for European food products. In 2019, China was the third largest destination for EU agri-food products, reaching EUR 14.5 billion, as well as the second-largest export destination of products protected as geographical indications (for 9% of the value), including wines, agri-food products and spirits. Moreover, thanks to this agreement, European consumers will be able to discover real Chinese specialties ».

The European list of geographical indications to be protected includes 26 Italian products: Balsamic vinegar of Modena; Asiago; Asti sparkling wine; Barbaresco; Bardolino Superiore; Barolo; Bresaola from Valtellina; Brunello di Montalcino; Chianti; Conegliano Valdobbiadene - Prosecco; Dolcetto d’Alba; Franciacorta; Gorgonzola; Grana Padano; Grappa; Montepulciano d'Abruzzo; Buffalo Mozzarella from Campania; Parmesan Cheese; Pecorino Romano; Parma's ham; San Daniele ham; Soave; Taleggio cheese; Tuscan / Tuscany; Noble wine of Montepulciano.

After the signature and the approval by the European Parliament, the agreement will be officially adopted by the Council: its entry into force is expected by the end of 2021.