Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps producers of British agricultural goods seeking geographical indication status in Japan have to take to secure UK ministerial support; and if she will make a statement.

The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) includes a new provision allowing more world-famous British products to receive protected recognition in Japan.

Under CEPA, it has been agreed that all Geographical Indicators (GIs) put forward by the UK will undergo Japan’s GI examination processes.

UK businesses will not need to navigate the Japanese administrative system on their own to get their iconic UK goods protected under the CEPA. The UK government will put forward all additional GIs (excluding Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSGs) and the seven GIs that will already be protected under the agreement), for protection in Japan on behalf of UK producers, saving time and money for UK businesses.

There are no additional steps that agricultural producers need to take to ensure they have ministerial support. The Department for International Trade and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are in regular contact with GI producers and Devolved Administrations and will continue to be throughout the process.