Traditional Romanian alcoholic beverage granted protected geographical indication in Japan

Under the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, Romania’s renowned alcoholic beverage, palinca, has been added to the expanded roster of products benefiting from protected geographical indications in Japan.

This landmark trade agreement, which took effect on February 1, 2019, safeguards 42 additional geographical indications (GIs), encompassing items like Raclette de Savoie and Vinagre de Jerez from the EU and sanuki shiro miso (miso paste) and Osaka wine from Japan. These protections prevent the imitation and misappropriation of these well known regional products, fostering mutual trade advantages while ensuring consumers access authentic offerings from regions celebrated for their culinary and cultural heritage.

Among palinca, the Romanian products benefiting from this protection in Japan are Topoloveni plum jam, Sibiu salami, and Ibănești cheese, as confirmed by the European Commission office in Romania.

This marks the third time the list of GIs safeguarded in both Japan and the EU has expanded. Previously, 56 GIs were added in February 2021, followed by another 56 in February 2022. Presently, there are 263 EU GIs and 112 Japanese GIs jointly protected, totaling 375 registered food and beverage items.

Japan stands as the fifth-largest market for the EU’s agricultural and food exports. Primary exports from the EU to Japan include pork, wines and spirits, cigars and cigarettes, cheese, chocolate, sugar confectionery, and other processed agricultural products. Conversely, the EU mainly imports soups, sauces, vegetable products, and various food and cereal preparations from Japan.

The EU safeguards over 5,000 GIs, encompassing both EU and non-EU products. This protection is secured through various means, including direct GI applications by the EU or third-country applicants (often producers or producer groups) and international agreements, such as the EU-Japan agreement, brokered between the EU and third countries.