From 1 December 2025, thanks to Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, the protected geographical indication (PGI) label, until now reserved only for agri-food products, is also extended to artisanal and industrial products. The government, through the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (MIMIT), has approved a decree to adapt the national law and designate the competent authorities to manage the new procedures.
What changes with the new “non-agri” PGIs
Before this provision, in the European system for the protection of Geographical Indications, PGIs and PDOs were applicable only to foods, wines and agricultural products. With the EU regulation, published on 27 October 2023 and coming into force on 16 November, a uniform and homogeneous regime is introduced for artisanal and industrial goods such as glass, ceramics, fabrics, lace, wooden objects, marble, porcelain, leather, jewellery, etc.
Therefore, starting from 1 December 2025, it will be possible to submit registration applications. In Italy, MIMIT has been designated as the competent authority to manage this procedure.
The application must normally be submitted by a producer association. We need a “production specification” that defines characteristics, requirements and links with the territory, as already happens for agricultural PGIs. After the national phase (checks, possible oppositions), the application will be transmitted to EUIPO (the European Union Intellectual Property Office), for final verification, guaranteeing the validity of the PGI throughout the European Union.
Which new products can be registered as PGI
Those products that are typical and originate from a specific place, region or country can be protected. Furthermore, they must have a precise quality, reputation or other characteristic (peculiar to the product) attributable to the geographical origin. Finally, at least one production phase (manufacturing, transformation, processing, cutting, preparation, etc.) must take place in the defined geographical area.
Objects such as Murano glass, ceramics from Caltagirone or Deruta, Carrara marble, lace, fabrics, traditional cutlery, typical jewellery, leather and hide, and many other typical local products, will be able to aspire to PGI status in the future.
Economic and competitive value
A PGI trademark is an intellectual property asset that guarantees exclusive use of the protected name, protects against imitation or improper use, and prevents “similar” products made elsewhere from exploiting the reputation or origin of the name. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and artisans, this protection finally offers strong protection, on a European scale, without having to register the trademark in each individual Member State.
In many cases, typical products are more protected also in terms of commercial valorisation. An IGP label increases the perception of quality, authenticity and typicality, fundamental elements for attracting consumers, in Italy and abroad.
Recording the link between a product and the territory through the specifications, establishing raw materials, techniques, production methods, means protecting the cultural identity and historical memory of the territory.
This can also generate positive impacts on tourism. PGIs become elements of territorial promotion, encouraging food and wine tourism, visits to shops, museums, production districts, and informed purchases.
Not just benefits for producers and companies. The PGI mark offers consumers a tool to recognize the authenticity of a product and its geographical origin. This strengthens the fight against counterfeiting and the improper use of evocative names, even in e-commerce or online sales.
