Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2293 |
|---|---|
| Publication | October 15, 2026 |
| Entry into force | October 8, 2026 |
| Registered denomination | Capocollo di Martina Franca (PGI) |
| Region of origin | Martina Franca, Puglia (Italy) |
| Regulatory framework | Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council |
| Affected parties | Producers, importers and distributors of cured meats with European geographical designation |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries |
Spanish importers and distributors of Italian cured meats have a new verification obligation as of October 8, 2026. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2293 registers Capocollo di Martina Franca in the European register of protected geographical indications, in accordance with the new framework of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.
This is not just an honorific distinction for Puglia producers: it is a legal barrier that protects the name and requires the entire distribution chain—including the Spanish one—to operate with clear documentary guarantees.
What does this regulation establish?
Regulation 2026/2293 formally registers the denomination "Capocollo di Martina Franca" as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the official register of the European Union, in application of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which is the new European framework for the management of geographical indications.
The specific legal effects of this registration are as follows:
- The name "Capocollo di Martina Franca" is protected throughout the EU territory against misuse by products not originating from the area.
- Only producers from the region of Martina Franca (Puglia, Italy) who comply with the European specification can use the PGI seal on their product.
- Any product using this denomination without meeting the specification requirements constitutes a violation of European regulations.
- This registration is made under the new Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which updates and strengthens the previous framework for protecting geographical indications in the EU.
For the Spanish market, the registration implies that any product circulating with this denomination must fully comply with the European specification. It is not enough for the product to be Italian: it must be specifically from Martina Franca and be certified.
Economic and operational impact
The direct impact for Spanish companies is not direct regulatory cost, but operational and reputational risk if the supply chain is not correctly verified.
| Type of company | Main impact | Required action |
|---|---|---|
| Italian cured meat importer | Obligation to verify authenticity of PGI seal in each batch | Review documentation of origin and certification from supplier |
| Wholesale distributor | Responsibility for the denomination in labeling | Audit labels and product sheets before marketing |
| Food chain / retail | Risk of violation if the product is not properly certified | Request PGI certificates from suppliers and keep them |
| Spanish producer with own PGI | Regulatory reference for processing or updating its own PGI under Regulation 2024/1143 | Review whether its specification adapts to the new framework |
Furthermore, this registration is a commercial opportunity for importers working with certified producers from Martina Franca: the PGI seal strengthens the product's positioning in the Spanish market, where premium consumers increasingly value European geographical designations.
Who does it affect?
- Spanish importers bringing Capocollo di Martina Franca from Italy.
- Wholesale distributors of Italian cured meats and charcuterie in Spain.
- Supermarket chains and specialized stores that market products with this denomination.
- Restaurants and hospitality that use the name on menus or cards for commercial purposes.
- Spanish producers with own PGI or in process, for whom this registration serves as a reference for the new regulatory framework (Regulation 2024/1143).
- Legal advisors and food trade consultants who manage geographical designations for clients in the meat sector.
Practical example
A Spanish wholesale distributor regularly imports Italian cured meats and has in its catalog a product labeled as "Capocollo di Martina Franca". As of October 8, 2026, that distributor is obligated to prove that the product comes from a certified producer in Martina Franca (Puglia) and complies with the specification of the registered PGI.
If the distributor cannot provide that documentation—for example, because the Italian supplier is not included in the register of authorized producers—they will be marketing a product with a protected denomination improperly, which constitutes a violation of Regulation (EU) 2026/2293.
The immediate action: contact the Italian supplier, request the updated PGI certificate and verify that the registration number matches that of the European geographical indications register.
What should companies do now?
- Verify the product catalog: Identify if any marketed product carries the denomination "Capocollo di Martina Franca" on its label or product sheet.
- Request certification from the supplier: Ask the Italian supplier for the current PGI certificate proving that the product complies with the European specification and comes from Martina Franca (Puglia).
- Keep documentation: Archive PGI certificates by batch to be able to prove traceability in the event of an inspection or complaint.
- Review labeling: Ensure that the PGI seal appears correctly on the packaging and that the denomination is not used in a misleading or incomplete manner.
- For Spanish producers with own PGI: Review whether the specification of their denomination adapts to the new framework of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, which now governs all European registrations of geographical indications.
Frequently asked questions
Since when is the Capocollo di Martina Franca PGI protected in the EU?
Protection is effective as of October 8, 2026, the date of entry into force of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2293, although its official publication in the EU Official Journal occurred on October 15, 2026.
What happens if I distribute in Spain a product called "Capocollo di Martina Franca" without PGI certification?
You would be improperly using a protected denomination throughout the EU, which constitutes a violation of Regulation (EU) 2026/2293. European geographical indication regulations protect the name against any unauthorized use, regardless of which EU country the product is marketed in.
What is Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 and why is it relevant for Spanish producers with PGI?
Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 is the new European framework under which all geographical indications in the EU are managed. The registration of Capocollo di Martina Franca is one of the first made under this new regulation, so it serves as a practical reference for Spanish producers who are processing or updating their own PGI.
How do I verify if an Italian supplier is authorized to use the PGI seal?
You can consult the European geographical indications register of the European Commission, where all registered denominations and their specifications are listed. Additionally, you must request from the supplier the certificate of conformity issued by the authorized control body.
Does it only affect companies that import directly from Italy?
No. It affects the entire distribution chain in Spain: importers, wholesalers, retailers and any operator that markets or labels a product with the denomination "Capocollo di Martina Franca". The obligation to verify the authenticity of the seal falls on each link in the chain.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in 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=OJ:L_202602293
