Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1273 of June 4, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Publication | June 11, 2026 |
| Entry into force | June 4, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Producers, distributors and marketers of Calabrian peppers in the EU |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries |
| Legal basis | Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council |
| Protected designation | Peperoncino di Calabria (PGI) |
Distributors and marketers of hot peppers operating in the European market face a new scenario as of June 4, 2026: the name "Peperoncino di Calabria" can no longer be used freely. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1273 registers it in the European register of Protected Geographical Indications, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, and activates full legal protection in all Member States.
This means that any company that labels, markets or exports product under that name without respecting the official specification sheet is exposed to legal action. At the same time, Calabrian producers who meet the requirements gain a first-class commercial differentiation tool.
What does this regulation establish?
The regulation formally registers Peperoncino di Calabria in the European register of geographical indications, the official database that records all protected designations in the EU. This registration has three immediate legal effects:
- Protection of the name throughout the EU: no operator can use the designation "Peperoncino di Calabria" for products that do not comply with the specification sheet, regardless of which EU country they operate in.
- Prohibition of imitations and fraudulent uses: the use of expressions such as "Calabria type", "Calabria style" or any other evocation of the protected name in products that are not the original is prohibited.
- Access to the PGI seal: Calabrian producers who meet the origin and production requirements established in the specification sheet will be able to use the official Protected Geographical Indication logo of the EU on their labeling and commercial communications.
The legal basis is Regulation (EU) 2024/1143, the current European regulatory framework for the protection of geographical indications of agricultural and food products.
Economic and operational impact
PGI registration has a dual economic impact: it creates a barrier to entry for competitors using the name without meeting the requirements, and generates a differentiation and premium price opportunity for producers who do meet them.
| Aspect | Before PGI registration | After PGI registration (from 4/6/2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Use of the name "Peperoncino di Calabria" | No legal restrictions in the EU | Restricted to operators complying with the specification sheet |
| Use of the PGI seal | Not available | Available for certified producers |
| Protection against imitations | No specific protection | Full legal protection throughout the EU and linked international markets |
| Commercial positioning | Direct competition with similar products without distinction | Official differentiation with European regulatory backing |
For distributors currently marketing hot pepper under designations that evoke Calabria without complying with the specification sheet, the operational impact is immediate: they must review their labeling and commercial communications to avoid violations.
Who does it affect?
- Pepper producers in Calabria: can access the PGI seal and strengthen their commercial positioning and added value in the European and international market.
- Distributors and wholesalers of spices and peppers: must verify that products they market under the designation "Peperoncino di Calabria" come from certified operators.
- Importers and exporters: protection also extends to international markets linked by agreements with the EU, affecting foreign trade operations.
- Manufacturers of processed products: companies that use Calabrian pepper as an ingredient and mention it on their labeling must ensure that the origin and production comply with the specification sheet.
- Online sales platforms and marketplaces: digital marketing of products under this designation is also subject to PGI registration restrictions.
Practical example
A Spanish spice distributor imports hot pepper from Italy and markets it in Spain with the label "Peperoncino di Calabria piccante". Until June 3, 2026, it could do so without specific legal restrictions arising from this registration.
As of June 4, 2026, if that pepper does not come from a Calabrian producer certified under the PGI specification sheet, the use of the designation "Peperoncino di Calabria" on the labeling constitutes a prosecutable misuse of a protected geographical indication in any EU Member State. The company must either prove that its supplier is certified, or remove that designation from its labeling and commercial communications.
Conversely, a Calabrian producer who complies with the specification sheet can now incorporate the official EU PGI seal on its packaging, allowing it to access premium market segments and differentiate itself from competitors without certification.
What should companies do now?
- Audit current labeling: review all products, catalogs and marketing materials that include the designation "Peperoncino di Calabria" or similar expressions that evoke that origin.
- Verify supplier certification: if marketing this product, request documentation from the supplier proving its registration in the PGI specification sheet control system.
- Remove or correct non-compliant designations: if the product does not meet the requirements, remove the protected designation from the labeling before continuing marketing to avoid violations.
- Update supplier contracts: include clauses guaranteeing compliance with the PGI specification sheet if you wish to continue using the protected designation.
- Consult the official EU PGI register: verify the complete specification sheet in the eAmbrosia database of the European Commission to know exactly the origin and production requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Since when is the name "Peperoncino di Calabria" protected?
Protection is effective as of June 4, 2026, the date of entry into force of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1273. The regulation was published in the EU Official Journal on June 11, 2026.
Can I continue selling Italian hot pepper without PGI certification?
Yes, you can sell Italian hot pepper without PGI certification, but you cannot use the designation "Peperoncino di Calabria" or expressions that evoke that protected name. You must use a generic designation or the actual origin name of the product.
What is the PGI specification sheet and where can it be consulted?
The specification sheet is the technical document that defines the origin, production, characteristics and controls requirements that the product must meet to use the protected designation. You can consult it in the eAmbrosia database of the European Commission, where all specification sheets of registered PGIs are published.
Does PGI protection apply only in Italy or throughout the EU?
Protection is valid throughout the European Union, not just in Italy. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1273 activates legal protection in all Member States, including Spain. It also extends to international markets linked by trade agreements with the EU.
What advantage do Calabrian producers get from this registration?
Calabrian producers who comply with the specification sheet can use the official EU PGI seal on their labeling and commercial communications. This strengthens their commercial positioning, justifies a premium price against uncertified products and protects them against imitations or fraudulent uses of the name in the European and international market.
Official source
Consult complete regulation in official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601273