Protected products

EU Geographical Indication Products

The EU's geographical indication system adds value to products and protects food and agricultural products from misuse or counterfeiting of established names. Geographical indication products are unique – they bring additional visibility to the region and help preserve local traditions.

The added value provided by the designation can also benefit many other local actors besides the companies that produce the product itself. For example, restaurants, agritourism, and cultural activities gain added value by favoring geographical indication products, as the designation increases recognition both in Finland and internationally.

The geographical indication system for agricultural products and foodstuffs has been in use throughout the European Community since 1993. Nearly 1,500 products have been registered as protected designations in the European Union. Multiple producers together or an organization representing producers can apply for geographical indication. The Food Authority processes the application and initiates the national opposition procedure. If the Food Authority approves the application, it is submitted to the Commission for consideration. The Commission makes the final decision. The process takes 1-3 years, depending on the need for additional information.

There are four categories of geographical indications in use:

1. Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)

The production, processing, and handling of the product must take place in a specific geographical area. The quality or characteristics of the product are essentially due to that geographical area, for example, the raw materials produced there.

Finnish products registered as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO):

Lapin Puikula (1997), Lapin Poron liha (2009), Lapin poron kuivaliha (2010), Lapin Poron kylmäsavuliha (2011), and Kitkan viisas (2013)

Examples of European PDO products:

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (Italy), Feta cheese (Greece), Prosciutto di Parma (Italy)

2. Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)

At least one of the following stages: production, processing, or preparation, must take place in a specific geographical area, from which the quality, reputation, or other characteristics of the product are derived. Some of the raw materials for the product may be sourced from outside the area.

Finnish products registered as Protected Geographical Indication (PGI):

Kainuun rönttönen (2008), Puruveden muikku (2013), Aito saunapalvikinkku / Äkta basturökt skinka (2022), Suonenjoen mansikka (2024), Yläsavolainen muurinpohjalettu (2025)

Examples of European PGI products:

Navarra asparagus (Spain), Ardennes ham (Belgium), Steirisches Kürbiskernöl - pumpkin seed oil (Austria), Aachen gingerbread (Germany), Lübeck marzipan (Germany)

3. Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG)

Traditional Specialty Guaranteed (TSG) protection does not refer to the place of production but aims to highlight the traditional composition or production method of the product. A product with TSG protection can be produced anywhere within the EU, but it must be made according to the registered production method and ingredient list.

When applying for TSG protection for a product, the applicant must indicate whether they wish to reserve the name exclusively for the product that meets the specification. If the name is reserved, products made under this name must comply with the specification. If the name is not reserved, the same name can be used for products that do not meet the specification.

Finnish products that have received TSG protection: