Source: European Parliament
1. The recent review of the Geographical Indications (GI) scheme covering agricultural products, wines and spirit drinks, slightly amended the scope of application for agricultural products to take into account the international regulatory framework, namely the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Agriculture. The scope of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 is defined in Article 5(1) of that regulation[1]. At present, the Commission does not envisage a revision of the recent Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. Forest/wood products are not covered by this scope, nor have they been part of it in the previously applicable Regulation (EU) 1151/2012. Therefore, forest products have not been reclassified nor excluded following the GI review process.
2. Forest products are however, for the first time, eligible for protection at Union level under Regulation 2023/2411[2] regarding crafts and industrial GIs showing the importance the Union is giving to the preservation and recognition of products like Chartreuse and Jura wood. By 2 December 2026, Member States shall inform the Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office which of their legally national protected names they wish to register and protect as a GI pursuant to this regulation, providing a uniform level of protection across the Union. By that date, or by the date the decision on their protection as EU GI is taken, existing national specific protection shall cease to exist. The Commission is committed to enhancing the visibility and consumer awareness of the newly established scheme for crafts and industrial GIs to ensure they will enjoy strong market recognition as their agricultural counterparts.