EU AND CHINA EXCHANGE 10 GEOGRAPHIC INDICATION PRODUCTS FOR PROTECTION

On July 11, 2007, The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China and the Directorate General of Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission exchanged applications for the protection of Geographic Indications on 10 products each from the EU and China. This reflects a substantive development in the cooperation of protection of geographic indications between the European Union and China. These Geographic Indications are accordingly entitled to full protection in both the EU and China.

The 10 Chinese product indications handed over are Ping-gu Big Peach, Long-kou Vermicelli, Long-jing Tea, Shan-xi Apple, Dong-shan White Asparagus, Guan-xi Honey Pomelo, Jin-xiang Garlic, Zheng-jiang Vinegar, Li-xian Yam and Yan-cheng Crayfish. The EU products are: West Country farm cheddar, White stilton cheese/blue stilton cheese, Scottish farmed salmon, Prosciutto di Parma, Grana Padano, Pruneau d'Agen/Pruneaux d'Agen mi-cuits, Roquefort, Comte, Sierra Magina and Priego de Cordoba.

After the formal approval of the 10 Chinese products, the EU will accord protection to their Chinese names and the translation thereof in the Union’s 25 official languages. The 10 EU products, once registered will be treated on equal footing with the Chinese homegrown ones in terms of Geographic Indications.