For and against Protected Status

July 24, 2009 | Geographic Indicators

The EU strives to promote this kind of protection within WTO, e.g., via a database of multilateral registers. The general aims of the regulation are to allow regional producers of goods to maximize both quality and profits on local goods. They also intended to allow local know-how and expertise to continue and thrive and to prevent the over standardization of different foodstuffs.
While having supporters, there is also some opposition to these regulations. The following arguments are amongst those put forth:

• The potential complexity of the registers may be abused
• Emigrants may want to continue to make their native products
• Many producers will be affected by the necessary rebranding to avoid narrowing or even closing the markets
• Extra costs may be incurred by governments, businesses, and consumers