Geographical Indications of Turkey: Entering a 300 Billion Dollar Market

Geographical Indications and Inspection Deficiencies in Turkey

The President of the Regional Products and Geographical Indications Turkey Research Network (YUCİTA), Prof. Dr. Yavuz Tekelioğlu, emphasized the necessity of establishing a regulation for the inspection of products with geographical indication registration nationwide. Tekelioğlu highlighted that this system would revitalize Turkey's economic potential. He stated that a healthy inspection system should be established in Turkey, just as it is worldwide. He also pointed out the importance of establishing an independent institute for geographical indications.

Global Market and Protection Strategies

Tekelioğlu noted that geographical indications have reached a 300 billion-dollar sales value globally. He mentioned that in the European Union, this figure stands at 100 billion euros. He underscored the critical importance of protecting geographical indication products to safeguard consumers and producers from counterfeit products.

Consumer and Producer Protection

Tekelioğlu stated, “Registration protects both consumers and producers, preventing unfair competition. However, although existing laws specify the rights of the registrant, they do not clearly define their responsibilities.” He pointed out that this situation leads to certificates remaining only hanging on the walls after registration. He emphasized the importance of self-auditing and external inspection practices in production processes, advocating the necessity of independent certification bodies that comply with European Union criteria.

Issues with Registered Products

Expressing that the existing inspection issues in Turkey result in only 5-10 out of 1800 registered products operating at European standards, Tekelioğlu remarked that this situation represents a significant loss for the country. He stated, “We must evaluate this potential by producing quality products. It is essential to eliminate legal gaps and create good governance,” he said.

Conclusion: Proposal for a New Structure

Tekelioğlu emphasized that the fate of geographical indications is of critical importance for the country’s future. “Turkey cannot be compared with any country that has such potential. However, we must reveal this potential with a healthy inspection structure. Therefore, a separate independent institution and a geographical indications institute must be established,” he said.