China's first approval to protect foreign geographical indications

Xinhua Beijing, February 23 (reporter Zhangxiaosong, Zhu Liyi) China's State administration of quality Supervision, inspection and Quarantine announced 23rd, approved to Cognac (cognac) the implementation of geographical indications of product protection.　　It is also the first time that China has carried out protection for foreign geographical indications. "This is the crystallization of the long-term cooperation between China and France in the field of geographical indications."　　"China Quality Inspection Bureau deputy director Chang said, in the future, cognac producers, distributors and Chinese consumers and other stakeholders of the rights and interests will be protected, so that cognac this French national fine quality characteristics and traditional crafts and intangible asset value in China to be protected." Geographical indications product refers to the production from a specific region, the quality, reputation or other characteristics in nature depends on the origin of natural factors, human factors, after the approval of the geographical name of the product named.　　French cognac refers to the grapes harvested in a specific geographical range, and the wine is fermented, distilled and aged in the range. In recent years, with the rapid development of China's economy, international famous brands, including Cognac, have been increasing in consumption in China. At the same time, the phenomenon of counterfeit infringement began to appear. January 2009, the French national Cognac industry office to the China General Administration of quality Supervision of the application of China's registered geographical indications products.　　In June 2009, the AQSIQ accepted the application and issued a notice in December approving the protection of the geographical indications for the implementation of the cognac. China's implementation of geographical indications product protection system for more than 10 years, the country has more than 1000 geographical indications of product implementation of special protection, product range involving liquor, tea, fruit, handicrafts, Chinese herbal medicines and other products. In addition to French cognac, at present, Aqsiq also accepted the Scottish whisky and other foreign products, geographical indications of product protection applications.