Protecting geographical food and drink names in Northern Ireland
Apply to protect a geographical food or drink name in Northern Ireland
If you are a Northern Ireland producer, you can apply to protect a product name in Northern Ireland and the European Union (EU) under the EU GI scheme. You can also apply to the UK geographical indication (GI) scheme to protect your product name in Great Britain. You do not need to secure UK GI protection first.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will handle applications under both the UK and EU GI scheme application processes. You must make it clear if you are applying to one or both schemes in your application.
Defra is the competent authority for the GI schemes in the UK (including Northern Ireland). Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has an advisory role in Northern Ireland.
If applying for an all-island GI, Defra and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the Republic of Ireland would work together on the submission. For more information, contact DAERA.
Help with applications
DAERA offers help and advice to applicants in the completion of their applications. It also acts as a liaison between Defra and the applicant.
DAERA - Pigs, Sheep, Beef & Veterinary Medicinal Residues Policy Branch
Room 656
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Ballymiscaw
Belfast
BT4 3SB
Telephone: 028 9037 8339