Cabinet Approves Draft Ministerial Regulation to Facilitate Foreign Geographical Indication Registration under FTA Framework

The Cabinet has approved a draft Ministerial Regulation on the registration of foreign Geographical Indications (GIs) under the framework of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The proposal, submitted by the Ministry of Commerce, aims to strengthen Thailand’s intellectual property system and enhance trade relations with international partners.

The draft Ministerial Regulation outlines clear procedures for the registration of foreign GIs that have been recognized under bilateral or multilateral trade agreements. It establishes transparent criteria, registration methods, and examination processes to ensure compliance with both Thai law and international obligations.

This regulatory measure supports the government’s efforts to facilitate trade cooperation while promoting fair competition and market transparency. It also provides legal protection for foreign GI products in Thailand, preventing the misuse or imitation of registered geographical names. Such protection is expected to encourage reciprocal recognition of Thai GIs abroad, thereby expanding market opportunities for Thai agricultural and local products.

The implementation of this regulation will enhance Thailand’s capacity to align with global intellectual property standards, particularly those under the World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It also reflects Thailand’s commitment to promoting mutual benefits among trading partners through the effective use of intellectual property rights.

The regulation will benefit both domestic and international producers by creating a reliable system for protecting product origin and quality. This initiative is part of the broader policy to promote value-added exports, strengthen the country’s branding capacity, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

In the long term, the regulation will foster consumer confidence, support rural development, and drive the integration of local wisdom into the global marketplace. The approval marks another milestone in Thailand’s efforts to enhance its trade framework, safeguard intellectual property rights, and promote cooperation under regional and global trade agreements.