Maltese indigenous goods to receive authenticity mark

The Malta Standardisation Authority is currently working on introducing a set of standards governing authentic Maltese goods. Locally produced indigenous goods – such as gbejna, Maltese sausage, honey and other products that can be identified as genuine Maltese goods – will also be awarded a mark of conformity to be displayed when put up for sale.

Malta Standardisation Authority Chairman, Engineer Francis Farrugia, told The Malta Financial and Business Times in an interview this week, "We have been approached by the Crafts Council to create some mark of conformity for Maltese products, such as lace. Malta imports a good deal of imitation, machined lace and other products from Taiwan, for example, and say that it is Maltese. We are currently holding discussions with the Crafts Council to issue a conformity mark.

"However, first we have to produce a standard on how Maltese lace, for example, should be made. Anyone who produces lace could ask us to inspect whether that company and its products are based on the standard. If we find that it complies with the respective standards set out, then it will be allowed to carry the conformity mark that would identify it as a genuine Maltese-made product."

The problem has been raised before, with local artisans voicing their complaints that mass produced goods, similar to those produced locally by hand, are being mass produced and imported from countries such as Taiwan and China. These products are then sold at a substantially lower price, effectively undercutting genuine Maltese goods.

However, those choosing not to opt for the authenticity label may do so, and can, of course carry on producing or importing goods that fall below the standards for local indigenous goods. However, these would be prohibited from carrying the label of conformity and legal implications would arise for those applying the conformity mark if it has not been granted the right to do so by the MSA.

Mr Farrugia explains, "We have identified quite a number of areas, especially in terms of indigenous products in the area of foods, in which we could issue a conformity mark as being authentically Maltese.

"A product, of course, could be produced in Malta, but not have the conformity mark if it is not manufactured in the appropriate way. There has to be a standard. For example, for gbejna maltija we must identify what type of milk was used and the methods of its production. All the tests that need to be done to ensure their integrity must be specified in the standards and if the standards were abided by, then they would be issued with the conformity label."

The MSA has been allocated funds by the EU to start the project off and a committee will be formed in the near future, which will be made up of all those concerned – such as manufacturers, retailers and consumers. In order for a standard to be eventually adopted, an all round consensus will have to be reached by the committee.

Read full interview with Francis Farrugia