The European Union plans to extend its system of protection for geographically indicated crafts to include Elche shoes, aligning them with the safeguards already in place for wine and food products as reported by Europa Press.
On Monday, the 27 Member States gave final approval to a framework designed to shield artisanal and industrial products that carry a unique origin and production method. The protection would function like a trademark within the European Union and would apply to trade agreements with non-member countries. This approach mirrors the long-standing model used for safeguarding agricultural products, wines, and spirits, now extended to crafts and other goods tied to a distinct geographic origin.
European Parliament
The Council’s approval follows a plenary endorsement by the European Parliament in September. The new rules take effect 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, with a transition period of up to two years for compatibility with national legal systems.
European officials describe the measure as a step toward consistent protection across the bloc, ensuring that geographical indication status reliably signals origin and quality to consumers. Markets will see harmonized standards that support producers who rely on regional craftsmanship and traditional methods.
European Parliament approves protection of Elche shoes under geoseal
In presenting the proposal for the revised rules, the European Commission stressed a comprehensive framework capable of covering thousands of products, including well-known categories such as Murano glass and Limoges porcelain. The initiative includes hundreds of articles detailing eligibility criteria, with Spain highlighted as a key beneficiary due to strong regional industries like Elche shoes, Manises ceramics, Ubrique leather goods, and Albacete cutlery.
three criteria
To qualify for European protection, a product must meet three core criteria: it should originate in a specific place or region, its quality and reputation must be tied to that origin, and at least one step in the production process must occur within the defined geographical area.
Currently, sixteen Member States, including Spain, maintain national geographical indication systems for these products, but protection outside national borders has been inconsistent due to the absence of a single, harmonized Community mechanism.
As a result, the simplified two-stage procedure favors national-level action first, allowing producers to leverage existing programs and minimize bureaucratic and financial burdens. The approach also focuses on enforcing the new standards across products sold online and through various marketing channels, ensuring robust compliance and traceability throughout the supply chain.