International Seminar on Geographical Indications

By Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados

On 25 and 26 April 2024, the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce will host an event on geographical indications (GI) to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) and the 50th Anniversary of the Protected Appellation of Origin Tequila.

Titled "Advances in GIs: latest trends and global challenges", the seminar will provide a space to exchange ideas and experiences.

The Tequila Regulatory Council (Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT)) is a private organization established in 1994, recognized and approved by the Government of Mexico to oversee and certify production, bottling, and labeling of any product marketed as a Tequila as provided in Mexican Official Standard for Tequila NOM-006-SCFI-2012 Alcoholic-Beverages-Tequila-Specifications. The CRT is a Verification Unit and a Certification Body accredited by the Mexican Accreditation Entity (EMA) to verify and certify quality of “Tequila.”

CRT represents producers, bottlers, and distributors of tequila as well as agave producers. With international branch offices in Washington, DC; Geneva; Madrid; and Shanghai; CRT constantly monitors compliance of any Tequila products with of the Mexican Standard for Tequila and ensures protection of Appellation of Origin (AO) over the world by guaranteeing that only CRT´s authorized and certified products bear the name Tequila.  

The AO status grants legal protection to tequila, ensuring its authenticity and quality. Only tequilas produced within the designated region and adhering to strict production regulations established by the Mexican government's NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) can bear the AO tequila label.

The CRT plays a crucial role in enforcing these regulations through inspections, certifications, and by taking legal action against producers who violate the AO standards.

The CRT actively promotes tequila on a global scale, protecting its reputation and cultural significance. It educates consumers about the different types of tequila, production methods, and proper consumption practices, and provides support to tequila producers, fostering research and development, and ensuring a sustainable tequila industry.

The DO system, overseen by the CRT, ensures that consumers receive a genuine and high-quality tequila product. Consumers can trust that a tequila labeled with the AO designation adheres to specific production standards, guaranteeing a consistent and authentic experience.

In the United States, Mexico and United States governments have already developed a legal framework to secure trade in tequila products, import compliance, US tequila bottling and sale monitoring; and generally, to make sure US consumers have accurate information regarding the authenticity of tequila products.