Background & Purpose

The EU has adopted a new regulation that expands the protection of geographic names to also include craft and industrial products. This ensures that traditional regional products get legal protection against misuse.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament approved the government's proposal, meaning that new rules for geographic designations and international trademarks will be introduced in Sweden.

Does this affect you?

  • Craft product makers: Must ensure their regional production methods meet the formal requirements to use the protected geographic label.
  • Industrial product manufacturers: Affected by new legal frameworks regarding how regional designations can be used in marketing and labeling.

In Practice

  • Geographic protection is expanded to cover craft and industrial products alongside existing food and drink items.
  • Only producers who meet strict regional and quality requirements are allowed to use the protected designation in marketing.
  • Consumers gain clearer information about the true origin and authenticity of regional craft products.