Mercosur-EU Agreement provides for protection of typical Brazilian products

The agreement recently signed between Mercosur and the European Union provides for the protection of agricultural products from Brazil, such as Café Alta Mogiana, Cachaça from the Salinas Region, Wine from Vale dos Vinhedos, Queijo Canastra and Cachaça. The European Union recognized 36 agricultural geographical indications in Brazil. 

This means that goods with these names can only be sold if they were produced in these regions of Brazil. 

Geographical Indication (GI) registration is granted to products or services that are characteristic of their place of origin, as they have a unique identity due to the natural resources used, such as soil, vegetation, climate and the manufacturing process (know-how or savoir- fair). The aim is to protect typical products. 

There are two types of Geographical Indication: Indication of Origin (IP) and Denomination of Origin (DO). The Indication of Origin refers to the country, city, region or location of a product or service that became known through extraction, production or manufacturing. The Denomination of Origin is the name of the country, city, region or location that designates a product or service whose qualities or characteristics are due exclusively or essentially to the geographic environment, including natural and human factors.

The European bloc recognized only agri-food products, as its legal framework does not include geographical indications for handicrafts, minerals and services.

Check the list of 36 Brazilian geographical agricultural indications recognized by the EU

European indications

The agreement establishes mutual recognition. Mercosur granted protection to 356 European indications.

The maintenance of some names was also negotiated. The cognac and prosecco may be used by South American countries on labels for seven and 12 years respectively (phase out). After this period, they will have to change their names. 

In the case of parmesan and gorgonzola, companies registered until 2017 will be able to continue using the names on their products, a mechanism called grandfather. Brands created after this period will have to adopt a new name for their products.