site.btaFighting Fake Handicrafts: National Crafts Chamber Embraces New EU Registration System

National Chamber of Crafts (NCC) embraces the new EU registration system with the hope that it will help the fight against fake handicrafts, NCC Chair Ivan Vlaev said here on Tuesday.

This regulation is of paramount importance for NCC, as it directly affects the protection of the national identity and uniqueness of Bulgarian artisanal products, Vlaev said at the Bulgarian Crafts – Traditions Meet the Future international conference.

“We hope the regulation will benefit our long-standing struggle against cheap imitations that flood the market, replacing authentic Bulgarian handicrafts made by the talented hands of our masters. Fake and counterfeit products now fill souvenir shops, sometimes even displayed near workshops of our genuine artisans, who are forced to work extra jobs to make ends meet,” Vlaev emphasized.

He expressed optimism that practical application of the regulation will curb unfair practices, prevent consumer deception, restore the prestige of craftsmanship, preserve traditional customs, and elevate consumer culture around handmade goods.

Vlaev also raised questions regarding the implementation of the regulation, including the possibility of receiving technical assistance for preparing geographical indication specifications, financing for such assistance, and whether the Ministry of Innovation and Growth or the Ministry of Economy plans to establish additional national funding procedures through existing programmes or the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

He also inquired about the reporting procedure for counterfeit goods and misleading practices, the competent national authority for imposing sanctions and market withdrawals, and the role of the Patent Office in enforcement.

Deputy Mayor of Troyan Veronika Todorova highlighted the rich crafts traditions of the region. She noted challenges such as the declining number of young artisans, lack of modern market frameworks, the need for training and institutional support, and waning interest among youth in inherited decorative techniques.

Todorova also identified opportunities including forming local cooperatives, sectoral organizations, and integrating crafts into the country’s cultural and tourism offerings.

The forum is organized by the Bulgarian Patent Office, in cooperation with the European Commission (EC) and the EU Intellectual Property Office. The conference is part of the EC's EU Capital Tour and the Patent Office's information campaign on the new registration regime for Geographical Indications for Craft and Industrial Products, such as Bulgarian sgraffito ceramics, carpets, etc., whose registration is being transferred from national to EU level.