In July 2021, by the EACC was initiated document EA-3/02 M – EA Policy for the Accreditation of Certification Bodies Providing Certification of PDO, PGI and TSG. Document includes additional requirements for product certification bodies when they certifying products protected by Geographical indication.
The questions are:
– Is there any mechanisms on the EU level which will support this policy to in force?
– If products protected by GI will not certify by certification bodies accredited according to the indicated document, does they refuse to place on EU market?
– What will be approach for EA B members?
– After the adoption of this document, what are the plan for transition period?
March 2022
The document gives direction on the formulation of accreditation scopes for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) /PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) /TSG(Traditional Specialties Guaranteed) products based on categories and outlines details on evaluation strategy for the accreditation; it is not expected any action from EU to enforce the document.
EU regulations establishing the need for certification of these types products are indicated in the document; the compliance of the requirements established in the regulations for these products in the market depends on the governments of the member states.
The approach for EA B members will be the same as with other EA documents.
The transition period is not yet established, but probably it will be one year.