The European Union (EU) – China bilateral agreement to protect geographical indications (GIs) in China and Europe entered into force on 1 March 2020. The agreement protects about 200 European and Chinese agri-food names. The EU GIs to be protected in China include Champagne, Feta, Irish Whiskey, Porto, Prosciutto di Parma and Queso Manchego. While the Chinese GIs to be protected in the EU include Anji Bai Cha (Anji White Tea), Anqiu Da Jiang (Anqiu Ginger), Panjin Da Mi (Panjin rice) and Pixian Dou Ban (Pixian Bean Paste). The agreement is set to expand to cover an additional 350 GIs from both regions over the next four years, following the established approval procedure.
The bilateral agreement has the potential to benefit both regions. China is the second destination of EU exports of GI products. Chinese consumers pay premium prices for authentic and quality European agrifood. European consumers are also open to discovering products from China. The EU and China have committed to cooperate and promote projects that ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the agreement in domestic markets.
