The national and European protection system for geographical indications for artisanal products

29 April 2026

9.30 AM

International Crafts Fair – Fortezza da Basso, Florence

As part of the 90th edition of MIDA – the Florence International Crafts Fair, Florence hosts a leg of the EU CIGI Capitals Tour dedicated to the new system for the protection of Craft and Industrial Geographical Indication (CIGI).

The event — organized by the Tuscany Region in collaboration with Artex and Firenze Fiera, and promoted with the support of the European Commission (DG GROW), EUIPO, and the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) — shines a spotlight on a historic turning point for the sector: from December 1, 2025, producers of non-agricultural goods (from stone to textiles, from metals to ceramics, from jewellery to leather goods) can apply to register their product names as protected IG at EU level.

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The introduction of the CIGI system — established by EU Regulation n. 2023/2411 — overcomes the fragmentation of national frameworks and creates a harmonised system to protect the quality, reputation, and territorial link of craft and industrial products. Protection is permanent and valid across the EU, with monitoring and enforcement entrusted to public authorities, while EUIPO is responsible for managing registrations, portals, and databases (GIportal, Union Register, GIview).

The expected impact is both economic and cultural. Geographical Indications help fight counterfeiting and misuse, enable producers to compete on authenticity rather than price alone, and preserve local knowledge and skills. Analyses by the European Commission and EUIPO show that the IG system acts as a driver of territorial development, with an average price premium, greater transparency for consumers, and positive effects on tourism, employment, and local value chains.