Agreement between MERCOSUR and EU on Use of Geographical Indications

Within the framework of the Association Agreement between the MERCOSUR and the European Union, on May 28, 2020, an official notice issued by the Argentine Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries was published in the Official Gazette. The Ministry has requested that those using terms that are geographical indications according to the Agreement should inform the Ministry of their use. This will enable the Ministry to draw up a list of prior Argentine users within MERCOSUR with the aim of allowing them to have the right to continue with this use under certain conditions once an agreement is reached.

 

Terms and conditions are as follows:

1. Parmesano: Users prior to November 1, 2017 of the term Parmesano on a continuous basis in Argentina, Paraguay and/or Uruguay.

2. Parmesão: Users prior to November 1, 2017 of the term Parmesão on a continuous basis in Brazil.

3. Reggianito: Users prior to November 1, 2017 of the term Reggianito on a continuous basis in Argentina and users prior to November 1, 2012 of the term Reggianito on a continuous basis in Paraguay and/or Uruguay.

4. Fontina: Users prior to November 1, 2012 of the term Fontina in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and/or Uruguay.

5. Gruyère: Users prior to November 1, 2012 of the term Gruyère in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and/or Uruguay.

6. Gruyere: Users prior to November 1, 2012 of the term Gruyere in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and/or Uruguay.

7. Gruyerito: Users prior to November 1, 2012 of the term Gruyerito in Uruguay.

8. Gruyer: Users prior to November 1, 2012 of the term Gruyerito in Uruguay.

9. Queso Manchego: Users prior to November 1, 2012 of the term Queso Manchego in Uruguay, made with cow's milk.

10. Grana: Users prior to November 1, 2012 of the term Grana in Brazil.

11. Gorgonzola: Users prior to 1 November 2017 of the term Gorgonzola in Brazil.

12. Ginebra: Users prior to 1 November 2012 of the term Ginebra in Argentina.

13. Genebra: Users prior to November 1, 2017 of the term Genebra in Brazil.

14. Steinhäger: Users prior to November 1, 2017 of the term Steinhäger in Brazil.

15. Grappamiel: Users prior to November 1, 2017 of the term "Grappamiel" or "Grapamiel" in Uruguay.

 

Only those “prior users” included in the list drawn up for this purpose will be allowed to continue using the product names.

The deadline to inform the Ministry of the prior use of these terms for inclusion on the list of "prior users" is June 26, 2020.

The request must be sent by email to dorigen@magyp.gob.ar; glgarcia@magyp.gob.ar and marparodi@magyp.gob.ar . The request must identify the name or business name of the user and the make, as appropriate.

Likewise, and as evidence of previous use in Argentina, the proof of national, provincial or municipal registration prior to the dates detailed for each product denomination must be submitted. In addition, those who export to Brazil, Paraguay and/or Uruguay must submit the relevant proof of use in said territories.

In addition, an affidavit must be attached requesting the continued use of the corresponding terms together with the documentation presented as a guarantee of each denomination.

The official authority may incorporate, even ex officio, those prior users who had requested their inclusion before the publication of this notice.