New EU Law to Protect Craft and Industrial Products: What You Need to Know
On 1 December 2025, a new EU regulation will come into full force, offering protection to craft and industrial products in much a similar way as famous foods and drinks like Champagne and Prosciutto di Parma have been protected for decades. This new law, Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, is a significant step for artisans and producers across Europe, including those in Malta (where we hail from!), who want to protect the reputation of products tied to their region’s identity and quality.
What Is a Geographical Indication (GI)?
A Geographical Indication (GI) is a type of label that connects a product to a specific place, meaning its quality, reputation, or certain characteristics are linked to where it’s made. Think of it as a guarantee that a product truly comes from the region it claims to and is made following certain standards. For example, a GI protects a craft item or product from being copied or misrepresented by products from other regions.
From December 2025, this system will also cover craft and industrial goods for the first time. This means products like traditional crafts, textiles, ceramics, or even industrial items can gain the same EU-wide protection that wines and cheeses have long enjoyed.
How Does the New Law Work?
The new law sets up a unified EU system to protect these kinds of products, ensuring that their names can't be used by producers outside the region they originate from. It also helps EU producers protect their products internationally, and allows non-EU countries to seek protection for their own crafts and industrial items in Europe.
Applications for GI protection will be examined at both national and EU levels to make sure that the products truly meet the criteria. Once a product name is registered, it will be safeguarded across all EU countries. Public authorities will then oversee compliance, ensuring producers follow the agreed standards.
Why This Matters for Malta
Malta is known for its rich cultural heritage and artisanal traditions, making the new GI system a fantastic opportunity for Maltese artisans and manufacturers to protect local products. From Maltese lace (bizzilla) to Mdina glass, there are many craft and industrial products that could benefit from GI protection. By securing a GI label, Maltese producers can prevent unauthorized use of these names, preserving the unique qualities of local crafts and boosting their international appeal.
For example, Maltese filigree, a delicate and intricate metalwork craft, is widely recognized and associated with the island's long history of fine craftsmanship. Under the new regulation, producers of authentic Maltese filigree can ensure that only pieces made in Malta, using traditional techniques, can carry the name “Maltese filigree.” This not only protects the product from imitations but also enhances its market value.
What’s Next?
The transition period for the new law ends on 1 December 2025, giving producers and authorities two years to get ready. After this date, the protections will apply across all EU member states, including Malta. Existing national protections for craft and industrial products will expire by December 2026, meaning that products currently protected by national laws will need to transition to the EU system.
Maltese producers and artisans interested in applying for GI protection will need to go through the application process at the national level first. From there, it will be passed to the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for further review. This two-stage process ensures that the product meets both local and EU-wide standards.
Why It’s Important for Consumers and Producers
For producers, this new law offers a way to protect their hard work and craftsmanship, ensuring that only authentic, high-quality products can carry the name of a specific region. This is especially valuable for small businesses and artisans, who might otherwise struggle to compete with mass-produced imitations.
For consumers, GIs provide a guarantee of authenticity and quality. When you buy a product with a GI label, you know you’re getting the real deal—whether it’s a piece of handmade Maltese jewelry or a ceramic bowl from a specific region in Italy.
The introduction of Geographical Indications for craft and industrial products under Regulation (EU) 2023/2411 marks a new chapter for artisans and producers in Malta and across Europe. This new protection ensures that traditional craftsmanship and industrial expertise linked to specific regions can thrive, while preventing misuse of these names by those outside the region.
For Maltese producers, this is a great opportunity to safeguard the island's unique artisanal heritage, ensuring that products like Maltese lace and filigree continue to be recognized for their authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural significance.
Now is the time for EU craftsmen and producers to start thinking about applying for GI protection and to take full advantage of this new system when it comes into force on 1 December 2025. This will not only protect their products locally but also open up doors to international markets, ensuring that the value of EU-made crafts and industrial goods is recognised globally.
For more information on the new regulation and how it can benefit your business, feel free to contact us at Lune Legal on hello@lunelegal.com.