First-ever geographical indication craft name receives EU-wide protection

Less than six months after the opening of applications for the registration of craft and industrial products as geographical indications (CIGI), the first name has now been registered. Porcelaine de Limoges from France becomes the first craft and industrial product to receive EU-wide geographical indication protection, benefiting from strong safeguards against misuse, imitation and evocation. As the first name to be registered, it marks a landmark moment in the implementation of the scheme.

Agricultural Geographical Indications have long protected names of products such as wines and cheeses. Building on that approach, the CIGI scheme shows the value of safeguarding Europe's craft and industrial heritage through a single EU-wide framework.

Strong early demand: more names are expected to receive protection

Since registration opened on 1 December 2025, 74 applications for CIGI protection have been submitted, with Czechia, France, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia and Sweden among the most active Member States in the process. This early uptake underlines the importance of the new scheme, which for the first time establishes EU-wide protection for the names of craft and industrial products. A geographical indication for craft and industrial products protects the name of a product whose qualities, reputation or other characteristics are essentially linked to its geographical origin.

The first applications illustrate the diversity of craft and industrial products that could benefit from protection. They span an impressive range of traditional crafts, from ceramics and embroidery to textiles, cutlery and iconic regional objects. Together, they highlight the diversity of Europe's craft heritage and the strong early interest for securing CIGI protection.

Why apply for CIGI protection?

Applying for CIGI protection helps safeguard products that are closely linked to their place of origin, while preserving the traditions associated with them. CIGI regulation strengthens the legal protection of a product name by ensuring it can only be used for authentic products from the defined geographical area. This not only preserves authenticity at home but can also support efforts to protect the product internationally.

Having a product protected also celebrates and elevates craftmanship expertise by formally acknowledging the link between the product's unique characteristics and the place it comes from - helping build trust in a product's authenticity and quality. And beyond that, CIGI protection can generate real benefits for the wider region where the product is made. It supports regional economies by helping products stand out in the market, boosting export potential and attracting tourism.

Specialised support available for applicants

As a producer, you will receive guidance and hands-on support through your national competent authority/ies or single point of contact as well as the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

Whether you need help understanding the requirements, preparing your application or navigating the CIGI system for your products, you will find clear resources and dedicated teams providing support throughout the process.

More information on CIGI protection, including requirements, timelines and application guidance, is available on the CIGI website.

You can also visit the EUIPO CIGI Hub - your resource for guidance, tools and support throughout the application process.

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"With the first geographical indication name now registered and protected EU-wide under the new CIGI scheme, we have reached a major milestone for Europe's industrial and cultural heritage. It demonstrates that this long-awaited framework is already delivering concrete results for producers and regions across the Union. The strong early uptake confirms the relevance and attractiveness of the scheme, while the diversity of applications highlights the richness of Europe's craft traditions. I warmly encourage artisans and businesses to build on this momentum and seize the opportunities offered by this new protection."

Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy

More information

Webpage: Geographical indications for craft and industrial products

Video - from Executive Vice-President Séjourné presenting the EU-wide geographical-indication protection for craft and industrial products (CIGIs)

Video - What makes certain products unmistakably tied to a place?

Video - How to register your name as a geographical indication for craft and industrial products

Video - Geographical indications for craft and industrial products explained

Letter from Executive Vice-President Séjourné to producers and craftsmen of the EU