Champagne, Cognac and 509 other geographical indications are protected in New Zealand

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After five years of negotiations, the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement has just been finalized by the European Commission and the New Zealand Government. Although it has not yet been signed by the European Council of Ministers, the European Parliament and the New Zealand authorities, this agreement already promises to reduce tariffs paid by European companies by €140 million per year and increase European exports to New Zealand by €140 million per year. 30% (of which Europe is the third largest trading partner).

With the mutual abolition of customs duties on spirits and wines (still and sparkling), this agreement is accompanied by the recognition of geographical indications, in particular all French indications: with 461 AOP and IGP for wines and 50 for spirits. Including champagne and cognac. Likewise for New Zealand wines and spirits, Europe will recognize 23 geographical indications.

Reference for future agreements

This agreement is accompanied by the sharing of viticultural and wine growing requirements, which is facilitated by the two blocs’ accession to the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). “Apart from allowing products that do not comply with European legislation on pesticides to enter its markets, the EU reserves the right to set maximum levels for residues of pesticides, veterinary medicines or contaminants, which “also applies to imports.” Determined by the European Commission. As for France, Foreign Trade Minister Olivier Bechet indicated, in a press statement, that this agreement “An additional step towards more sustainable global trade. This is the most demanding agreement ever reached in terms of sustainable development. It includes the Paris Agreement as a core element and provides for trade sanctions as a last resort. It is a reference for future trade agreements.”