Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
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The previous scheme had provided the option to register a name for identifi-
cation purposes without reservation of the name in the Union. This option,
according to Recital (35) has not been well understood by stakeholders and
should be discontinued with the scheme dealing only with the reservation of
names across the Union.
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Recital (36) explained that to ensure that names of genuine traditional products
are registered under the scheme, the criteria and conditions for registration of a
name should be adapted, in particular those concerning the definition of
'traditional', which should cover products that have been produced for a
significant period of time.
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Recital (37) proposed that to ensure that TSGs comply with their specification
and are consistent, producers organised into groups should themselves define
the product in a specification. Also the option of registering a name as a TSG
should be open to third country producers.
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The Protection of Traditional Specialities Guaranteed is contained in Title III
of the Regulation.
1. Objective
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The objective of the protection regime is set out in Art 17, which provides that a
scheme for TSGs 'is established to safeguard traditional methods of production
and recipes by helping producers of traditional product in marketing and
communicating the value-adding attributes of their traditional recipes and
products to consumers'.
2. Criteria
(a) Traditional use
Article 3(3) of the Regulation defines 'traditional' to mean 'proven usage on the
domestic market for a period that allows transmission between generations; this
period is to be at least 30 years'.
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Article 18(1) provides that a name shall be eligible for registration as a TSG
where it describes a specific product or foodstuff that:
(a) results from a mode of production, processing or composition corresponding to
traditional practice for that product or foodstuff; or
(b) is produced from raw materials or ingredients that are those traditionally used.
