From November 1 of this year, the import to Ukraine of foreign products with the labels "Cognac" that does not meet the technical conditions for this designation, in accordance with the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine, is stopped.
The Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, which entered into force on September 1, 2017, provides for the mutual protection of a certain number of geographical indications ("GIs"), including "Cognac", in Ukraine.
The use of the name "Cognac" for products originating from third countries that do not meet the technical conditions of Cognac production is now prohibited on the territory of Ukraine.
On January 24, 2022, as a result of the adoption of new regulatory acts that include the protection of the trademark, the name "Cognac" was included in the customs register, which is a mandatory condition for the implementation of the protection of the trademark "Cognac" on the territory of Ukraine.
A transition period was established so importers could change the labels on their products that do not comply with this GIs. The transition period was extended until October 31, 2022 (inclusive), considering the dramatic circumstances in Ukraine.
Starting from November 1, 2022, the corporation "Ukrvinprom" together with the National Interprofessional Bureau of Cognac are responsible for the protection of the trademark "Cognac" on the territory of the country and abroad and will take the necessary measures against products imported and presented under the name " Cognac", if they do not meet the technical conditions established for the "Cognac" PG, in accordance with the Association Agreement signed between the EU and Ukraine.