On March 1, 2021, the Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Cooperation on, and Protection of, Geographical Indications (the Agreement) officially came into force.

Negotiations of the Agreement opened in 2011 and concluded at the end of 2019. On September 14, 2020, China and the EU officially signed the Agreement. By late January, 2021, the two sides had completed internal legal procedures and notified each other. According to the Agreement’s provision on entry into force, the Agreement became effective on March 1, 2021.

The Agreement is China’s first comprehensive and high-standard bilateral GI agreement. Through the Agreement, China and the EU mutually recognize the GIs of each other on a large scale, which covers a total of over 500 GIs. The two parties also agree that protected GIs may use the official signs of the other side to facilitate the business development for related products. The entry into force of the Agreement can reassure GI holders on both sides and promote the imports of related products, improve the quality of life for consumers, and meet their growing aspirations for a better life.

Moving forward, China and the EU will work together to implement the Agreement.