If the products made in Alicante province were used elsewhere without permission, what happens to their origin and authenticity? What if Elche shoes cannot be identified easily? What if the famous Onil dolls do not bear a distinctive seal of quality?
To preserve quality and local traditions for both craft and industrial goods, a system has been established across the European Union to protect the identity and reputation of products. Locally renowned artisanal and industrial goods such as glass, lace, or ceramics can benefit from this protection.
It all began in April 2022 when the European Commission proposed a Regulation aimed at protecting geographical indications for craft and industrial products. In May 2023, the EU Council and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on the Regulation. The council has granted final approval, and the new rules are expected to take effect in November.
This protection system builds on an existing framework since 1992 for geographical indications of agricultural products, including foods, wines, and spirits such as French Champagne or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese from Italy. Alicante offers several notable examples, including Vinalopó bagged table grapes, Alicante Mountain Cherries, Mollar Granada from Elche, Callosa d’En Sarriá Loquats, Nougat from Alicante, and Jijona.
Alicante products that can receive the geographical indication seal
New indications cover products tied to a specific production area. In Spain, there are well-known symbolic products from different regions of Europe, such as Albacete cutlery, Murano glass in Italy, or Limoges porcelain in France. In Alicante, protection can apply to Crevillent rugs, a municipality with a long-standing carpet-making history. It represents one of the most important carpet industries in Spain, dating back to Moorish times. Another example is Elche shoes, a centuries-old craft that blends traditional workmanship with modern techniques. The production process includes pattern making, cutting, stitching, gluing, and finishing, all using 100% Spanish and natural materials.
Alicante’s marble and Onil’s dolls are also considered. Geographical indications cover products like marble, an important economic and social sector in the Medio Vinalopó region, where ornamental stone remains a key driver. The so‑called Marble Corridor includes the municipalities of Novelda, Monforte del Cid, Pinoso, Algueña, La Romana, Monóvar, Elda, and Villena. The Onil doll industry began in 1870, with Ramón Mira Vidal starting clay doll production and later introducing porcelain dolls from Germany.
What is a geographical indication?
Geographical Indication (GI) is an intellectual property right that acts as a seal of quality for consumers. It ensures that a product bearing the GI is produced under specific, strict conditions tied to a region, with local ingredients and particular processing methods. All these specifications can be accessed through the Giview tool. and related regulatory bodies.
The value of geographical indications lies in these precise conditions, and protecting them at the EU level helps prevent the use of similar names for products that do not meet the same quality standards. The system aims to safeguard consumers and support authentic regional products.
Geographical indications for craft and industrial products offer protection against misuse for consumers across the EU. They also provide an extra assurance when purchasing local goods and help distinguish products, enabling manufacturers to market their items more effectively. The new rules are expected to boost the reputation of crafts, sustain traditional techniques, and promote rural employment within the EU.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) will play a central role in managing this new intellectual property right for geographical indications of artisanal products. EUIPO, based in Alicante, will coordinate the process as the competent authority for the EU. Manufacturers must submit applications to the designated authorities of their Member States, which will forward approved applications to EUIPO for further evaluation and approval. The Craft and Industry Geographical Indications Regulation is set to take effect in November, with EUIPO aiming to begin accepting applications by the end of 2025.