Bajawa Flowers is now PGI in the EU: what producers and importers must do

Key data

If you market, import or distribute products under the name "Bajawa Flowers" in the European market, this regulation affects you directly from now on. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2336 officially registers this denomination in the EU's geographical indications register, activating legal protection with European scope and immediate effect.

The registration is carried out under the Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, the regulatory framework governing geographical indications in the European Union. From now on, the use of the name "Bajawa Flowers" is reserved exclusively for operators who prove compliance with the specifications sheet associated with this PGI.

What does this regulation establish?

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2336 has a concrete and unambiguous purpose: to register "Bajawa Flowers" in the official register of geographical indications of the European Union. This has three immediate legal consequences:

• Protection of the name throughout the EU: No operator can use the denomination "Bajawa Flowers" for products that do not comply with the specifications sheet, regardless of which EU country they operate in.
• Prohibition of misuse: Any commercial use of the name that could mislead about the origin or authenticity of the product is prohibited, even in evocative or translated forms.
• Access to the single market with guarantees: Operators who do comply with the requirements obtain an instrument for differentiation and facilitated access to the European market under the PGI seal.

The regulation is based on Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which establishes the European system for protecting geographical indications for agricultural and food products. This unified framework replaces the previous fragmented system and strengthens traceability and authenticity throughout the value chain.

Economic and operational impact

The registration of a PGI is not a minor administrative procedure: it has direct consequences on who can sell what and under what name in the European market.

• For operators who meet the requirements: The PGI seal adds differential value to the product, facilitates access to the single market and can justify a higher price positioning compared to generic products.
• For operators who do not comply: They must stop using the name "Bajawa Flowers" in their marketing, labeling and communication. Non-compliance exposes them to administrative sanctions and legal action by the competent authorities of each Member State.
• For importers and distributors: They must verify that their suppliers are certified and that the documentation of origin proves compliance with the specifications sheet before placing the product on the European market.
• Adaptation costs: Operators who want to benefit from the PGI must undergo the certification and control process provided for in the specifications sheet, which involves audit, labeling and monitoring costs.

Who does it affect?

• Producers of Bajawa Flowers who market their product in the EU: must prove compliance with the specifications sheet to be able to use the protected denomination.
• Importers who introduce Bajawa Flowers into the European market: must verify that the imported product meets the PGI requirements and that the documentation of origin is valid.
• Distributors and wholesalers operating with this product in the EU: are responsible for not marketing products under this denomination if they are not properly certified.
• Retailers and sales platforms that list or label products as "Bajawa Flowers": must ensure that their suppliers have valid PGI certification.
• Advisors and consultants in the agricultural and foreign trade sector who work with clients in this value chain.

Practical example

A European importer who until now marketed coffee or agricultural product under the name "Bajawa Flowers" without having verified the certified origin faces the following situation:

1. From 14 October 2026, the use of the name is legally protected throughout the EU.
2. If the importer cannot prove that the product comes from the recognized geographical area and complies with the PGI specifications sheet, they must remove the denomination from their labeling, catalogs and commercial communications.
3. If they continue to use the name without meeting the requirements, the competent authorities of the Member State where they operate can initiate actions for misuse of a protected geographical indication.
4. If they want to continue using the name legally, they must initiate the certification process with the control body recognized for this PGI and adapt their supply chain to the requirements of the specifications sheet.

This same scheme applies to any distributor or retailer that has "Bajawa Flowers" in their catalog without having verified their supplier's certification.

What should companies do now?

1. Audit current use of the name: Review whether your company uses the denomination "Bajawa Flowers" on labels, catalogs, websites or commercial contracts and on what documentary basis.
2. Verify supplier certification: Importers and distributors must request documentation from their suppliers proving compliance with the PGI specifications sheet.
3. Adapt labeling if necessary: If the product is not certified, remove the protected denomination from labeling and commercial communication immediately.
4. Initiate the certification process if applicable: Operators who want to benefit from the PGI must contact the recognized control body and comply with the requirements of the specifications sheet.
5. Update contracts and commercial agreements: Include clauses that guarantee PGI compliance by suppliers and partners in the distribution chain.
6. Consult with a specialized advisor: If you have doubts about whether your current operations are compliant, seek legal advice before the authorities take action.

Official source

Consult full regulation on official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026R2336