EU and international rules applicable to wine appellations
Origin wines are considered as geographical indications (GIs) at the International level.
Within the European Union, Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 2024/1143 govern the protection of geographical indications for agricultural products, including wines. These regulations establish rules for the protection, registration, and controls of GIs within the EU.
International legislation applicable to wine appellations primarily includes agreements and treaties established by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), such as:
TRIPS Agreement
The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) is administered by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It provides a framework for the protection of Geographical Indication for wines and spirits. TRIPS requires member countries to provide legal means for the protection of Geographical Indications and sets out minimum standards for such protection.
Lisbon Agreement
The Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration, administered by WIPO, provides a system for the international registration and protection of appellations of origin, including those for wines.
European Geographical Indication wines are also protected in third countries through the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) negotiated by the European Union with numerous countries. For further information on the GIs protected in the framework of the different trade agreements please consult GIview: GIview (tmdn.org)