Ahead of the entry into force, on 1 December 2025, of the new European regulation on the protection of geographical indications (GI) for artisanal and industrial products, Wallonia is taking an important step forward. The Walloon Government has approved a draft decree establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the recognition and promotion of Walloon know-how.
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Until now, the system of geographical indications mainly concerned wines, spirits, agricultural products and foodstuffs. From now on, artisanal and industrial products — such as jewellery, textiles, glassware or porcelain — will also benefit from comparable protection, both at European and international level, notably through the Lisbon Agreement on the protection of appellations of origin.
The implementation of this new regulation will require coordination between the Regions and the federal State, each having to adopt an appropriate legal framework. The Walloon Region will be specifically responsible for granting appellations of origin and geographical indications of regional or local scope.
The draft decree provides for:
- the definition of recognition procedures for products (procedures, criteria, publication, controls, etc.);
- the possibility of granting provisional national protection pending European recognition;
- continuous monitoring of products benefiting from European quality systems;
- simplification of procedures related to changes in product specifications and organisation of their monitoring by producer groups;
- and the establishment of rigorous controls entrusted to accredited certification bodies.
By strengthening the recognition and protection of artisanal and industrial products, Wallonia confirms its commitment to supporting its local sectors, preserving the richness of its traditions and fostering the creation of sustainable jobs in the region.