The added value effect of geographical indications enables producers and other actors in the value chain to increase competitiveness, provides producers with the means to better promote their products with specific characteristics, to better distinguish them from other products, and to protect them from market abuse resulting from counterfeiting. In view of the above, it is of crucial importance that the conditions for the use of the ‘protected geographical indication’ be ensured by the rules set out in the draft.

Apart from the exceptions specified, pursuant to the provisions of the draft Act, the protected geographical indication may appear on the packaging of an agricultural product bearing the trader’s own brand name or trademark, only if the final sales packaging contains the name and address of the economic operator producing the product designated by the geographical indication. and this entity is entitled to determine the appearance and name of the agricultural product or the essential content of its labelling and is authorised to sell the product without restriction by any means of his own choice.