Guide to Geographic Indications in China

The market for imported foods in China is large and growing. China is now the world’s largest importer of food and the food and grocery retail market is set to grow by 20% annually. Additionally, Chinese domestic consumers have concerns over food safety and the quality and origin of ingredients. If you intend to export products that come from a specific geographical region to China, obtaining a GI registration can provide the necessary proof of the product’s origin and can increase trust from domestic consumers. To take advantage of this, the following steps have to be taken: Contact your geographical indication organisation ( GI organisation); Urge your GI organisation to register the GI as a certification mark or as a collective mark in China; Register for GI protection in China at the National Intellectual Property Administration, PRC (CNIPA) as product quality and characteristics marking; Enforce your rights.