Spirit drinks
Spirit drinks are an important part of the market for the Community’s agricultural sector. This market is largely dependent on the quality and the good reputation that its products enjoy in the global market.
Directive (EU) No 787/2019 entitles some geographical areas to use certain geographical indications if the stages of the production process of the finished product which confer on it its character and essential definitive qualities take place in that area.
Community regulations thus recognise the exclusive rights of the producers. The designations concerned preserve the character of indications of geographic origin and prevent them from becoming a public domain, which would make them generally applicable designations.
The indications defined according to Directive (EU) No 787/2019 shall be reserved for products whose quality is equivalent to that of the traditional products, thus preventing the dilution of traditional designations is prevented.
Geographical indications within third countries
Regulation (EU) No 787/2019 has significantly eased the ability of third countries to register geographical indications. They are thus no longer restricted to achieving protection for their geographical indications solely through a bilateral agreement.
Regulation (EC) No 936/2009 applying the agreements between the European Union and third countries on the mutual recognition of certain spirit drinks remains in force. It currently regulates protection for spirit drinks from the United States of America and the United Mexican States.
