Agricultural products and foodstuffs: designation of origin, geographical indication (amend. Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92)

PURPOSE: To update Community legislation on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs. CONTENT: In 1992 the European Union set up legally binding provisions for the protection of agricultural and/or foodstuffs relating to a particular region. It gives producers the opportunity to have the geographical names of products protected at Community level by means of registration. It does not cover wines and spirits which are already covered by other Community legislation. One of the fundamental purposes of this legislation is to protect producers and consumers from imitations that misuse geographical names. The WTO gives similar weight to this matter under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). It is proposed that the 1992 Directive (No 2081/92/EEC) be updated in the following manner: - To include wine vinegar within the scope of the Directive's provisions. Currently, it is neither covered by Directive 2081/92 nor legislation protection for wines and spirits. - To remove mineral and spring waters from the register of geographical indications and designations of origin. - To clarify the rules on homonyms. - To extend the application of an objection procedure to nationals of WTO member countries. - Enhanced provisions in cases where a PDO or PGI holder wishes to cancel their registration. - To apply the same rules of the Regulation to agricultural products or foodstuffs originating in a third country, without prejudice to international agreements. - To introduce changes concerning the date of registration to bring the Regulation in line with the TRIPS Agreement. - To delete the simplified procedure on the grounds that it does not offer a right of objection. - To make minor changes to standard EN 45011 applying to inspection bodies. - To ensure that cancelled registrations are published as a Decision.�