Order No. 1383-N of the Minister of Economy validating the General Principles, Methods and Procedure for control and protection of technical characteristics of geographical indication, appellation of origin and guaranteed traditional products.

This Order primarily addresses the regulation and oversight of products bearing geographical indications, place names, and guaranteed traditional products within the national territory. Its main objective is to establish general principles, methods, and procedures for monitoring the preservation of technical specifications of such products, aligning with broader policy goals of product authenticity and quality assurance. The legal principles explicitly include certification requirements, traceability, and compliance with technical standards, with the overarching aim of safeguarding the integrity of products associated with specific geographical regions. Key measures outlined involve the certification process, which is based on applications from producers or groups of producers seeking to use geographical indications. Certification bodies, accredited according to ISO/IEC 17065-2013 standards, are responsible for evaluating production processes, verifying correct application of geographical indications, and ensuring adherence to technical specifications. The process includes developing and approving surveillance plans, conducting product assessments through document review, laboratory, and sensory testing, and classifying non-conformities as significant or minor. Certification validity is set at three years, with annual inspections and reporting requirements, including a comprehensive annual report to the Certification Body detailing applicant lists, product quantities, and non-conformity cases. Implementation mechanisms involve procedural steps such as notification of inspection dates, application procedures, and documentation requirements, with responsibilities assigned to certification bodies and applicants. The process emphasizes periodic inspections, sampling, and testing, with specific timelines for certification issuance and renewal. Secondary themes include procedural compliance, enforcement of corrective actions, record-keeping, and stakeholder involvement, notably the obligation of certification bodies to report annually to the relevant authority, ensuring ongoing oversight and regulatory compliance.