The Geographical Indications for Crafts and Industrial Products

A New Era for European Crafts

1 December 2025 marks the arrival of a massive shift in European policy. For the first time, craft and industrial products across the EU fall under a harmonised legislation for Geographical Indications. It is an official recognition in the market for origin-based products once reserved mainly for cheeses, wines, and agricultural icons. Now, ceramics, textiles, cutlery, and musical instruments join the same legal ‘family’ of origin-linked products. Now, Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 on CIGIs has officially entered into force. This is a recognition that place, technique, and local knowledge matter, and that they deserve safeguarding in a global market crowded with imitations.

“Craftsmanship and mastery stand among Europe’s greatest strengths, telling the story of our diversity, identity, and shared memory through the hands of skilled artisans. And when we honour our roots, we protect our cultural heritage and renew our ability to imagine and reinvent the future. The long-awaited GI Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 creates a single EU framework that finally gives real legal weight to the authenticity and territorial identity of craft products — a shared tool to protect Europe’s cultural diversity.”Cristina MendesPresident of the Board of Directors, European Crafts Alliance

Table of Content

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Note on the Photos

Throughout this dispatch, we feature a visual journey across Europe’s diverse craft heritage. The examples showcased range from Filigrana de Portugal and Connemara Marble to Velay Clays, Pierre de Bourgogne, Idrija Lace, and the Siège de Liffol. This selection includes both established Geographical Indications (transitioning from national to EU protection; Siège de Liffol, Pierre de Bourgogne, Filigrana de Portugal, and Idrija Lace) and candidate crafts currently in the process of preparing their applications. They stand together here as symbols of the “Land and Hand” connection we are working to protect.

A Shared Vision: Why This Matters

 

Previously, the craft sector relied on a fragmented mix of national systems, or no protection at all. This made it nearly impossible for producers, often small, family-run workshops, to defend their livelihood against foreign copycats. The new framework levels the playing field. Every registered craft GI will enjoy legal protection across the EU in the same way as global agricultural products such as Champagne or Parmigiano Reggiano. For buyers, the new legislation promises clarity and transparency. Until now, buying a “regional” craft product often required a leap of faith. Under the GI system, names that evoke a place are no longer just decorative adjectives; they provide the certainty of being locally made and transparent production practices. This now brings:

Authenticity You Can Trust
A GI label means the product genuinely comes from its claimed origin and follows the traditional process associated with it.

Less Guesswork
Clear rules reduce misleading labels like “style,” “type,” or “inspired by.”

Cultural and Economic Support
Buying a GI product ensures that the purchase directly supports the local ecosystem that keeps the tradition alive.

Filigrana de Portugal (Established National GI) protects the specific technique of twisting fine gold or silver threads in Gondomar and Póvoa de Lanhoso.

“Through certification, filigree transcends ornamentation and becomes a recognised cultural heritage, safeguarded against imitation and misrepresentation, and builds consumer’s trust.”
— Daniel Martins, Head of the Tourism Division of Gondomar Town Council

Photo: Municipality of Gondomar – Gondomar Turismo

“Geographical indications for artisanal and industrial products are finally available in the Single market. As of 1 December 2025, producers will be able to protect their products name, recognising their unique quality and authenticity, and helping them distinguish from imitations and counterfeits, both in the Union and in third countries markets. Consumers will be also able to purchase these types of products with greater confidence. GI protection promotes fair competition and tourism in European regions, preserving know-how and tradition and revitalising local communities, jobs, and investment. They also play a crucial role to further promote EU Competitiveness. Now is time for our European producers and artisans to tap on the benefits of this new system and start preparing their applications as of 1 of December 2025.”Claudia Martínez FélixDeputy Head of Unit, DG GROW, European Commission

What a GI Actually Is (And How to Spot It)

 

While trademarks identify a brand and copyrights protect individual designs, Geographical Indications serve a fundamentally different purpose. A GI protects the name of the product itself. It is the only legal tool designed to secure the special link between a product and its origin, that unique, irreplaceable combination of local raw materials (the land) and traditional know-how (the human skills) that makes a product impossible to replicate elsewhere.

At the heart of every GI lies a Product Specification. This is a collectively written document that sets the rules. Once registered, this becomes the official standard, and the source of a community’s right to stop misuse of the name, whether on a marketplace listing or a factory-made imitation thousands of kilometres away.

Velay Clays (France): Extracted at the foot of the Auvergne volcanoes, these pure clays are prized for their mineral properties in cosmetics and health.
“The Velay Clays, with their inestimable properties, work miracles on daily pains, particularly in the field of cares, cosmetics and for animals’ well-being. In cosmetics, the Velay Clays are mainly used for face masks… For animal well-being, this “magic earth” is used in case of digestive disorders, skin care inflammations, joint pains…”
— Association de Promotion des Argiles du Velay
Photo: Association de Promotion des Argiles du Velay

The Visual Stamp of Quality

 

Craft products can now carry the official EU Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) symbol,  the same blue and gold seal already carried by high-quality food and wine. Some artisans may choose not to display it on the product itself for aesthetic reasons. However, the protection remains absolute. The registered name is legally protected whether the logo is present or not.

Use of the logo is voluntary. If in doubt, the source of truth is the EUIPO Union Register. This public database lists every authorised GI. If a name is there, it is protected by law; if a product uses that name without meeting the standards, it is a counterfeit.

Connemara Marble is found only in the West of Ireland, reflecting the “savage beauty” of the landscape as a Global Heritage Stone.
“GI protection will not only protect these skills but will have significant benefits – such as safeguarding local employment, offer commercial opportunities, cultural experiences and craft tourism possibilities.”
— Stephen Walsh, Connemara Marble Producers Association
Photo: Connemara Marble, Stephen Walsh

Legal Protection

 

Because a GI is a fully recognised Intellectual Property Right, public authorities (such as Customs and Market Surveillance) acting under EU Law now have the legal responsibility to safeguard the protected products. This grants national customs the power to seize non-compliant goods at the border, while empowering producer groups to demand that online platforms remove listings that misuse their name and challenge bad-faith domain name registrations. It marks a fundamental shift: craftspeople are no longer fighting copycats alone; the misuse of a regional name is now a violation of intellectual property law.

Pierre de Bourgogne (France) (Established National GI): A natural limestone defining the region’s architecture. The GI protects the link between the geology and the extraction process.
“The Burgundy stone is a timeless material, a symbol of the French art of living.”
— Fabrice Descombes, President, Pierre de Bourgogne Association
Photo: Pierre de Bourgogne Association

Inside the Process: The Reality Check

 

The road to protection is rigorous. A GI is not just a marketing label, but a legal status that requires proof, consensus, and time. Here is a realistic look at what to be prepared for when registering:

 

  • The Collective
    A GI cannot normally be claimed by one workshop alone. Makers who may be local competitors must form a producer group and agree to act as partners. Local authorities might support this initiative and act for the collective benefits.
  • The “Product Specifications” is Heavy Lifting
    This is the backbone of the application. The group must define their craft in forensic detail, including its specificities, know-how and the geographical areas.
  • The Marathon
    Because this process involves a double examination (first by your National Authority, then by the EUIPO), except for a few Member States of the EU that opted out where it will be examined directly by EUIPO, the timeline is measured in months, sometimes years.
Idrijska čipka (Slovenia) (Established National GI): This traditional Slovenian craft is hand-made using bobbin lace techniques. Known for its delicate patterns and exceptional quality, it combines heritage with artistry, making it a symbol of cultural identity and timeless elegance.
“Preparing documentation in the procedures for the protection of the geographical indication for handicraft products at the EU level is a very demanding process. Despite strong support from the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office, it is evident that we are all still learning, including representatives at the EU level, as there are still no concrete answers for certain segments of the documentation preparation.”
— Metka Fortuna, President of the Board for the GI Idrijska čipka within Idrija Municipality
Photo: Idrijska čipka / Idrija Lace, Idrija Lace School, A Bogataj – Metka Fortuna

Where to Apply: First Point of Contact

The application route depends on the location.

Route A: The Standard Procedure
  • Who?
    Producers in the majority of Member States (e.g., France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, Portugal), including products made in the same region, but in two different countries (e.g. Basque Béret )
  • Where?
    National Competent Authority (usually the national IP Office or Ministry).
  • The Cost?
    There is no fee charged by the EUIPO     (national authorities may have their own administrative fees).
Route B: The Direct Procedure (7 Member States)
  • Who?
    Producers in Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
  • Where?
    These countries have opted out of the national phase, so apply directly to the EUIPO via the GI portal.
  • The Cost?
    The EUIPO charges a direct examination fee of 1,500€.
  • Support?
    These countries have appointed a “Single Point of Contact” (SPoC) to assist with technical queries (contact available on the GI Hub).
Route C: The Third Country Procedure
  • Who?
    Producers in the UK, Ukraine, Turkey, Norway, Azerbaijan, etc.
  • Where?
    Apply directly to the EUIPO via the GI portal (unless the country is part of the Geneva Act system – see “International Connections” below).
  • The Cost?
    The examination fee is 1,500€.

The Finer Details: Scope & Critical Deadlines

 

To navigate the new system effectively, it is vital to understand the geographical scope and the strict transition deadlines.

  • EU-Wide Protection: Once registered, your GI is valid and protected in all 27 Member States.
  • The “Article 70” Deadline: This is the critical cutoff for existing rights. Specific national protections for craft and industrial products will definitively cease on 2 December 2026. Member States must notify the Commission of the names they wish to transition to the EU system before this date. If not notified, the protection expires.

International Connections & Neighbours

 

This regulation creates a framework for cooperation with our partners beyond the EU27.

  • Northern Ireland: Under the Windsor Framework, the regulation applies fully in Northern Ireland, allowing producers there (e.g., Irish Linen) to secure EU-wide protection.
  • The Geneva Act Advantage: As a party to the Geneva Act, the EU can mutually recognise GIs from other signatory countries (such as Georgia) through the WIPO system.
  • Third Country Access: Producers in non-EU countries (e.g., UK, Ukraine, Turkey, Azerbaijan) are fully eligible to protect their names in the Single Market via the “Third Country” procedure described above.
Siège de Liffol (France) (Established National GI): With its 2,000 hectares of white beech forest, skilled workforce, and training centre, Liffol le Grand has been the historical home of chair manufacturers since the 19th century.
“It promotes and authenticates the expertise of companies that have an effective tool for protecting against counterfeiting. It preserves heritage and helps to revitalise the region. It is a driver of development for business activity and job creation in the GI area.”
— Francine Nicolas, Head of GI Siège de Liffol
Photo: Siège de Liffol

How We Prepared (The Collaborative Effort)

 

The Craft & Industrial GI Expert Working Group was established in January 2024 to unify the sector’s voice ahead of the new regulation. Coordinated by the ECA and FFIGIA, and chaired by Portugal and France, the group brought together members from Italy, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Spain to align diverse national perspectives.

With the rules now in force, the mission shifts from policy to practice. Serving as a direct link to EU institutions, the group will now monitor the rollout and compare national frameworks, ensuring the system remains grounded in the reality of the producers.

“We have worked intensely to align our diverse national realities into a coherent European voice. But the regulation is just the starting line. Our focus now shifts to the concrete: ensuring that implementation is smooth, that protection is robust, and that this legal victory translates into tangible market value for our producers.”Audrey AubardSecretary General, FFIGIA & Co-Chair, GI Expert Working Group

The Future

 

The launch of this regulation is not a finish line, but a foundation. The management of this system has been entrusted to the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), which has committed significant resources, including the new GI Hub, to ensure the system is accessible, transparent, and effective for producers. As we move forward, the commitment from the highest levels of the EU is clear: this is about protecting the identity of our regions.

“The true impact of this system will depend on how it is used – to support local economies, preserve cultural heritage, and foster innovation. At the EUIPO, we are honoured to take on this new responsibility. We are committed to delivering it with the professionalism and integrity that define all our work. We look forward to working with all of you – our users, partners, and citizens – to ensure the success of the CIGI system for the European Union.”João NegrãoExecutive Director, EUIPO, in Launch Address 

Check out the full address here>>

Official Endorsements & Resources

 

The entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 is supported by a clear political commitment from the highest levels of the European Commission. We have curated the official acknowledgments and technical tools released to mark this milestone.

 

A Message from Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné

In an open letter to the sector, the Executive Vice-President explicitly recognises the strategic value of crafts. He frames the new protection not just as a legal rule, but as a vital tool for European competitiveness, job creation, and the safeguarding of our “savoir-faire.”

Read the Official Letter>>

 

Official Video Tutorials (DG GROW)

Translating the regulation into practice requires precision. The European Commission (DG GROW) has released a comprehensive suite of video tutorials, serving as the official technical guide for producers navigating the new system.

Further Resources

 

GI Visual Journey

Thank You

The European Crafts Alliance (ECA) would like to thank Audrey Aubard (Secretary General, FFIGIA) and the members of the Craft & Industrial GI Expert Working Group for their expertise and collaboration.

We also thank the producers and associations who contributed their voices and visuals to this dispatch: Filigrana de Portugal, the Pierre de Bourgogne Association, Connemara Marble Producers, Association des Argiles du Velay, the Municipality of Idrija (Board for the GI Idrijska čipka within Idrija Municipality), and the Siège de Liffol GI defence organisation.

We appreciate the ongoing support and engagement from the European Commission (DG GROW) and, the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in realising this new regulation.

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The information provided by the ECA is intended as a guide and accessible summary. Please consult the official, legally binding texts, notably Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, national governmental bodies and the EUIPO.

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