New legislation to implement the New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EU FTA) has been introduced to Parliament. This Bill includes amendments to the Geographical Indications (Wines and Spirits) Registration Act 2006 to register almost 2,000 European Union (EU) geographical indications (GIs) in New Zealand. The registration of these GIs was negotiated as part of the free trade agreement. The Bill also includes new enforcement measures for registered GIs.

The Bill will also make a consequential change to the Trade Marks Act 2002, to clarify that the Commissioner of Trade Marks must also consider these EU GIs registered in New Zealand when examining an application to register a trade mark.

The Bill will now progress through the Parliamentary process. You can follow its progress on the New Zealand Parliament website:

European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill — New Zealand Parliament

For more information about the free trade agreement and the Bill, please read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website:

New Zealand-European Union Free Trade Agreement — Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Further information

• European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill — New Zealand Legislation
• Geographical indications — Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
• How a bill becomes law — New Zealand Parliament