Geographical Indications Law in Malta
Here’s a summary of Geographical Indications (GI) law in Malta:
🇲🇹 Geographical Indications Law in Malta
1. Legal Framework
Malta, as a member of the European Union, protects Geographical Indications primarily under EU law, which is directly applicable in all member states including Malta. The main legal instruments are:
Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs
Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 for wine sector products
Regulation (EU) No 110/2008 (and its successor Regulation (EU) 2019/787) for spirit drinks
Malta also incorporates these regulations into its national legislation to govern the implementation and enforcement locally.
2. Types of Protected Geographical Indications
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)
Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG)
These categories are consistent across the EU and Malta follows the same criteria and procedures.
3. National Authorities
Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA)
Responsible for enforcement and compliance relating to consumer protection, including misuse of GIs.
Agriculture and Rural Payments Agency
May also be involved in monitoring agricultural product compliance with GI standards.
4. Registration Process
Applications for GI registration are submitted to the European Commission, which publishes them in the Official Journal of the European Union for opposition.
After approval, the GI is registered and protected EU-wide, including Malta.
Producers can apply for protection of their local products under this system.
5. Examples of Maltese GIs
Malta has a few registered GIs mainly related to local traditional foods and beverages, such as:
Maltese Ġbejna (a traditional cheese) — registered as a PDO
Maltese Maltese Honey — registered as PGI
Traditional Maltese wine varieties or products may also be protected.
6. Protection and Enforcement
GI protection prevents unauthorized use of protected names.
Enforcement is through national courts and consumer protection authorities.
Violations may lead to civil penalties or fines.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | EU Regulations (Reg. 1151/2012, 1308/2013, 110/2008) |
| National Authorities | MCCAA, Agriculture and Rural Payments Agency |
| Types of Protection | PDO, PGI, TSG |
| Registration Process | Application → EU Commission → Official Journal publication |
| Examples | Maltese Ġbejna (PDO), Maltese Honey (PGI) |
| Enforcement | National courts and consumer authorities |
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