On 22nd October 2020, the UK Government announced that new rules and logos are to be introduced to guarantee the authenticity of regional and traditional foods for shopping. The new rules and logos will help protect Welsh and other British producers from imitation.
The new and independent Geographical Indications (GI) schemes will ensure that popular and traditional produce from across the country will be granted special status to mark their authenticity and origin.
Simon Baynes MP for Clwyd South welcomes these new rules and logos, as it means that shoppers will be able to buy their food and drink with confidence. Welsh and other producers whose food are granted GI status will benefit from intellectual property protection, so that others cannot imitate them.
GIs are only awarded to highlight regional and traditional foods whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed. The new logos representing the unique and protected nature of these products to consumers have been unveiled today, which can be displayed on all Welsh and other British produce which is given GI status.
Registered producers of Welsh and other British food, drink and agricultural GI products that are required to use the logos will have until 1 January 2024 to change packaging to display the new UK GI logos.
Simon Baynes MP said:
“The UK GI schemes will replace the EU’s schemes on 1st January 2021 as the Transition Period ends. I welcome the new rules and logos as they provide the legal framework for the UK to administer and enforce the GI schemes. The new rules simplify the GI application process and guarantee the authenticity of Welsh and other British produce. The UK Government is also currently working to expand and increase the number of GI protections through Free Trade Agreements”
