The novelty

From Murano glass to ceramics, the PGI logo for industry and handicrafts is in force: here's how to apply for it

Legislative Decree 51/2026 adapts the Italian legal system to EU Regulation 2023/2411 on the protection of geographical indications for artisanal and industrial products. With the new measures - which enter into force today, 7 May - the new European system of protection for non-agricultural EU PGIs comes into force in Italia

by Letizia Giostra

7 May 2026

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2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

News in sight for the handicraft and industrial sectors with the entry into force of the legislative decree 51/2026 on the protection of geographical indications for products. As of today, 7 May, the legislative decree promoted by the Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, becomes operative. The measures concern the debut in Italia of the new European system of protection for EU non-agri PGIs.

What the decree provides for

The novelty applies to geographical indications protected in Italia in industrial and artisan products, whereas until now PGI was the prerogative of agri-food. The rules follow the path indicated by the EU Regulation 2023/2411 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Thus, Italia completes the adaptation required by the European regulations. As of 1 December 2025 - the date on which the European regulation takes effect - 13 applications have been received.

What products are permitted

Protections for food product designations are already provided for through other measures, while the same was not envisaged - before 2023 - for handicraft or industrial products, which are regulated by the decree that came into force on 7 May. The aim is to protect the purchases of consumers and to increase the positive economic impact on the different types of businesses.

The European regulation already provides a long list of products that can be nominated for PGI, such as, for example, those made of wood, glass or worked in leather and hide. Also protected by the PGI, which is to be understood as the right to exclusive use of the name, are locally produced fabrics and lace, such as porcelain and ceramic products. Jewellery and cutlery are also included.

Among the associations that have announced the submission of an application for registration to the Mimit are the names of Murano Glass, Merletto di Burano, Ceramica di Caltagirone, Cammeo di Torre del Greco, Corallo di Torre del Greco and Ceramica di Vietri.

Product registration steps

The Mimit is the competent authority for the national registration phase, a function exercised through the Dgpi-Uibm (Direzione Generale per la Proprietà Industriale - Ufficio Italiano Brevetti e Marchi). The documentation of the handicraft or industrial object to be registered can be forwarded - after the applications have been verified - to the region where it was produced.

If the finding is positive, it is submitted to the EUIPO (the European Union Office for Intellectual Property). At the end of the procedures, an acknowledgement protecting the product is issued. The cancellation of previously registered PGIs can be requested - if justified - and an appeal can be lodged if the application is refused.

The sanctions provided for

There are sanctions for those who try to circumvent the rules. On the criminal side, charges may include counterfeiting or the alteration of geographical indications. On the administrative side, on the other hand, anyone who puts unregistered products on the market that meet all the requirements to be listed on the portal risks having to pay a very hefty fine, which, depending on the type of offence committed, could be up to 24,000 euros.