South Africa: Proposed protection of Geographical Indications in South Africa

As part of the negotiating process of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and South Africa, the EU requested that names of certain products be protected on the basis of their geographical indications (GIs). The South African government issued a notice to this effect on February, 4, 2014. The final list of product names and rules of their protection has not been published, however, post believes that if passed, such protection would be prohibitive to trade and could affect United States exports. Reports are that the GI restriction will affect only imported and not domestically produced products which is discriminatory and unfair.

South Africa: Proposed protection of Geographical Indications in South Africa