EU-China agreement protecting geographical indications enters into force

As of today (Monday, March 1), the EU-China bilateral agreement on protecting geographical indications (GIs) has entered into force.

The agreement protects around 200 European and Chinese agri-food names against imitation.

The EU list of GIs to be protected in China includes Champagne; Feta; Irish Whiskey; Irish Cream; and Prosciutto di Parma.

Among the Chinese GI products are: Pixian Douban (Pixian Bean Paste); Anji Bai Cha (Anji White Tea); Panjin Da Mi (Panjin Rice); and Anqiu Da Jiang (Anqiu Ginger).

In the course of the next four years, the agreement will expand to cover an additional 350 GI names from both sides.

Growth potential

According to the European Commission, the Chinese market has “high growth potential for European food and drinks”.

In 2020, China was the third biggest destination for EU agri-food products, reaching €16.3 billion from January to November.

It is also the second biggest destination of EU exports of GI products, accounting for 9% by value, including agri-food products, wines and spirit drinks.

China and the EU will “now work together with many cooperation and promotion projects to ensure good implementation and enforcement of the agreement”.

Market for EU GIs around €75 billion

There are over 3,300 GIs registered in the EU. Around 1,600 non-EU GIs are also protected within the EU, due to similar bilateral agreements such as this one with China.

These agreements also protect EU GIs in partner countries: some 40,000 instances of protection of EU GIs around the world.

In value terms, the market for EU GIs is around €75 billion, or 7% of EU food and drink. GI exports of about €17 billion account for over 15% of total EU food and drink exports.