Protected products

EU Geographical Indication Products

The EU's geographical indication system adds value to products and protects food and agricultural products from misuse or counterfeiting of established names. Geographical indication products are unique – they bring additional visibility to the region and help preserve local traditions.

The added value provided by the designation can also benefit many other local actors besides the companies that produce the product itself. For example, restaurants, agritourism, and cultural activities gain added value by favoring geographical indication products, as the designation increases recognition both in Finland and internationally.

The geographical indication system for agricultural products and foodstuffs has been in use throughout the European Community since 1993. Nearly 1,500 products have been registered as protected designations in the European Union. Multiple producers together or an organization representing producers can apply for geographical indication. The Food Authority processes the application and initiates the national opposition procedure. If the Food Authority approves the application, it is submitted to the Commission for consideration. The Commission makes the final decision. The process takes 1-3 years, depending on the need for additional information.

There are four categories of geographical indications in use: