China & EU Sign Bilateral Geographical Indications (GIs) Agreement

 

On 14 September 2020, China and the European Union (EU) signed a bilateral agreement on geographical indications (GIs), protecting against usurpation and imitation of 100 Chinese GIs in the EU and 100 European GIs in China, selected on the basis of objective criteria such as economic value, export potential, and the risk of counterfeiting.

 

The agreement, pending the consent of the European Parliament, is expected to come into force at the beginning of 2021. On top of the 100 protected GIs, the scope of the agreement can be expanded, in four years after the agreement's entry into force, to cover additional 175 GIs from both sides.

 

The Chinese list of GIs to be protected in the EU under the agreement includes Anji Bai Cha (Anji white tea), Shaoxing Jiu (Shaoxing rice wine), Moutai Jiu (Moutai liquor), Xinglong Ka Fei (Xinglong coffee), Pixian Dou Ban (Pixian bean paste), and Panjin Da Mi (Panjin rice), whereas among the European list of GIs to be protected in China are Champagne (wine), Feta (cheese), Irish whiskey (spirit), Münchener Bier (beer), Prosciutto di Parma (ham), and Sierra Mágina (olive oil).

 

China and EU cooperation on the GIs began in 2006 and resulted in the registration and protection of 10 GIs on both sides in 2012.