Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to the Government Response to the International Trade Committee's Report on the UK-Japan CEPA, whether her policy on Geographical Indication protection has changed in light of the 21 additional products from 10 EU countries designated with Geographical Indication protection by the Japanese Government on 1 February 2021.

We note that in February 2021 the EU and Japan agreed to protect an additional 28 products from 12 EU countries under the EU Japan agreement. The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) sets out an improved process for the addition of new Geographical Indications (GIs). Under CEPA, it has been agreed that all eligible UK products will be put through Japan’s GI approval process.

On 30^th April, the UK and Japan will exchange new GIs to receive protected recognition under CEPA. These will then go through Japan’s standard procedures in accordance with Japanese law.