Geographical indications and traditional specialities
Three EU schemes known as PDO (protected designation of origin), PGI (protected geographical indication) and TSG (traditional speciality guaranteed) promote and protect names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs.
The following EU schemes encourage diverse agricultural production, protect product names from misuse and imitation and help consumers by giving them information concerning the specific character of the products:
- PDO- covers agricultural products and foodstuffs which are produced, processed and prepared in a given geographical area using recognised know-how.
- PGI- covers agricultural products and foodstuffs closely linked to the geographical area. At least one of the stages of production, processing or preparation takes place in the area.
- TSG- highlights traditional character, either in the composition or means of production
How can I find out which product names are registered or have been applied for?
- Consult the DOOR database of PDO, PGI and TSG.
How can I register a product name?
- A group of producers must define the product according to precise specifications.
- Application is forwarded:
- If you are a producer in the EU, you should send an application to your national authority: List of EU national authorities
[136 KB] . For applicant groups that need to complete the single document, please consult the guide to applicants [35 KB] 
. - If you are a producer outside the EU, and when the name of the product is protected in your country, you can fill in an online application using DOOR or send it to the Commission, directly or via your national authority.
- If you are a producer in the EU, you should send an application to your national authority: List of EU national authorities
How can I object to a name proposed for registration?
- If you are a private individual or organisation in the EU, send your objection to your national authority: List of EU national authorities [136 KB]
- If you are an individual or organisation outside the EU, you can lodge an objection on-line using DOOR or send it to the Commission, directly or via your national authority.
Who is in charge of controls?
- Authorities/control bodies ensuring the respect of specifications: see the authority/body responsible for each product in DOOR
- Competent authorities on the marketplace: see the list [342 KB]
Are there any promotion campaigns on PDO, PGI and TSG?
There are private promotion campaigns, some of them co-financed by the EU Commission.
Country files
Belgium [39 KB] - Czech Republic [42 KB] - Denmark [39 KB] - Germany [42 KB] - Greece [41 KB] - Spain [44 KB] - France [42 KB] - Ireland [40 KB] - Italy [44 KB] - Luxembourg [39 KB] - The Netherlands [38 KB] - Austria [41 KB] - Portugal [43 KB] - United Kingdom [41 KB] - EU 27 [46 KB]
Product group files
Fresh meat [37 KB] - Meat products [38 KB] - Cheeses [38 KB] - Other products of animal origin [38 KB] - Oils and fats [39 KB] - Fruit, vegetables and cereals [40 KB] - Other products of annex I [39 KB] - Beers [35 KB] - Waters [37 KB] - Bread, pastry, confectionery ... [37 KB]
More information
- Background note: "1000th quality food name registered" (15/02/2011)
- Newsletter: "PDO and PGI agricultural products - A 14.2 billion euro turnover for over 800 products" [848 KB] (2010)
- Fact Sheet: "European policy for quality agricultural products" [2 MB] (2007)