Registration of the name Nocciola di Giffoni in the Dutch national register of variety denominations

25.7.2016

Question for written answer E-006050-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Paolo De Castro (S&D)

The recognition of ‘protected geographical indication’ obtained by Nocciola di Giffoni hazelnuts on 24 November 1997 protects that denomination from any practices that might mislead consumers as to the true origin of the product.

On 30 September 2012 the Dutch authorities entered the denomination Nocciola di Giffoni in the Nederlands Rassenregister (national register of variety denominations).

Given that Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 637/2009 of the Commission stipulates that in the case of a geographical indication or a designation of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs as a prior right of a third party, the use of a variety denomination in the territory of the Community shall be prohibited, what action will the Commission take to prevent the continued use of the denomination in question by the Dutch operators?

Since the Commission is the body responsible for ensuring that EU rules are properly implemented by a Member State, how do its departments intend to ensure that existing legislation is being properly implemented by all Member States?