EU Backs Geographical Indication to Protect Locally Made Heritage Products in Smaller Asian Nations

BRUSSELS / PHNOM PENH / YEREVAN, Sept. 23, 2025 — Geographical Indication, or GI, has become the most trusted way to secure originality of products globally by ensuring that fakes in the name of indigenous goods don’t flood the world markets.

The GI tagging is not just ensuring authentication of clothes, accessories, food items and handcrafted products but has also become a method to safeguard the uniqueness to animals, which are often on the verge of extinction or whose numbers are being increased with the help of government policies.

Europe is known to be one of the leading regions for promotion of GI and in their trade agreements with different nations, European countries have laid huge stress in geographical indication.

However, the surprise element lies in the fact that of late European Union has thrown its weight behind locally-made products in smaller Asian countries.

Earlier this month, while reiterating its support for Cambodia’s efforts to register and protect Geographical Indication products, EU said that recognition of “Siem Reap prahok”, a traditional form of noodles, as a GI will safeguard heritage.

In March this year, EU offered to provide technical assistance to Armenia for the development of a geographical indication for ‘Armenian Brandy’.

Notably, Champagne became the first foreign product to be awarded Geographical Indication status in Cambodia on April 29, 2019.

Notably, on March 12 this year, the conference Geographical Indications under the EU Framework took place under the title “How to protect traditional crafts and industrial products.” The conference was organized by the Industrial Property Office of the Czech Republic in cooperation with the European Commission.

Know Why EU is Backing GI of Cambodian Products

Multiple Benefits: Asserting the importance of GI tagging during a visit to the Siem Reap Prahok Tonle Sap Conservation Promotion Association, or SPTA, which manages the traditional fish paste recognised as a Protected Geographical Indication, or PGI, Koen Everaert, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Cambodia, highlighted that GI registration will offer multiple benefits for Cambodian enterprises.

“We in Europe take GI very seriously. For us, GI is quality and authenticity, so it means that if you buy GI products you know that quality is assured and you know that it’s coming from a specific location,” Koen said. “And thirdly and most importantly for us, the GI is protected. It’s intellectual property, so you cannot copy that. It’s very important that you preserve it.”

Prevent Copycats: As per Everaert, apart from implementation, there was also need for strict enforcement, as he sounded an alert that the supply chain will be badly hit if copycat products are not prevented. “Make sure that Kampot pepper is only made in Kampot, that GI’s here in Siem Reap, Siem Reap prahok is only in Siem Reap. This is key,” he added.

The EU official also observed that GI recognition goes much beyond product branding and becomes an integral part of trade negotiations. He said that in Europe, GI protection is integral to trade agreements, ensuring mutual respect for both European and partner countries’ GI products.

He said GI tagging can pave way for Cambodia’s greater international visibility and economic opportunities. “I think many people in Europe know Kampot pepper, you know, and Kampot is Cambodia. It gives a good image of your country. So having GI actually is also a promotion of your culture, of your heritage, of your country,” Everaert added.

Complying with the norms and robust enforcement would help Cambodia’s GI products such as prahok and Kampot pepper build international credibility and seek higher prices in high-value markets, he said.

Why are EU and France Supporting GI for Armenian Brandy?

As the European Union has extended technical assistance to Armenia for the development of a geographical indication for ‘Armenian Brandy’, it becomes imminent to gauge EU’s efforts to support local brands.

The support was announced by EU Ambassador to Armenia Vasilis Maragos at an event held in Yerevan in February this year. The European Union will work in synergy with France, whose ambassador to Armenia also attended the event.

“Showcasing Armenia’s rich heritage on the international stage will open new trade routes, drive economic growth, and enhance the country’s global recognition,” the EU Delegation to Armenia said in a press release.

As per the press release, this project seeks to strengthen the Armenian brandy industry by introducing a distinctive GI system.

“The initiative will delineate specific production zones, approved grape varieties, and traditional production methods, ensuring consistent quality through rigorous controls and advanced laboratory infrastructure standards,” a statement on The European Union for Armenia website stated.

Local producers can now safeguard their traditions, prevent imitation, and gain international recognition, turning cultural heritage into real economic opportunities.

Inputs from Saqib malik

Editing by David Ryder