Thailand's geographical indication (GI) registration plan for Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong Hai is likely to be completed by the end of this year, as Thailand has agreed to brown rice not being processed and packaged at a source of origin.

The Thai side became more lenient after Thai representatives recently met their European counterparts to discuss the registration attempt.

Five EU nations _ France, the UK, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium _ earlier rejected the bid. They contended Thailand should not be the only country allowed to register jasmine rice, or Khao Hom Mali, because it has a common name and GI registration would bar European traders from using the words "hom mali" to promote their rice. Thailand had also required GI-registered rice to be processed and packaged at the source of origin.

GI is used to protect the names of products from specific areas, with Champagne from France being a well-known example.

The approval process for GI registration takes two years. Thailand submitted its application on Nov 21, 2008, but the five EU countries filed their opposition just before the two-year deadline. The EU required in a March letter this year that Thailand defend its stand to the five countries before September.

Pajchima Tanasanti, director-general of the Intellectual Property Department, said Thailand needed to adjust its statement in a GI registration letter this month. The five countries will send back their comments by the middle of July before submitting an agreeable conclusion between the two parties to the European Commission for final approval in the middle of October.

However, she insisted the government wanted Khao Hom Mali to be sold at a premium price with the GI designation displayed on the packaging. The rice must be packed at the site where it was cultivated and be traceable back to the field.

The European Union is a leading importer of Thai rice. The kingdom ships 100 million worth of rice a year to the EU compared to total Thai exports of 1.3 billion.

Last year, Thailand exported 153,233 tonnes of jasmine rice worth 5.15 billion baht to the 27 EU members.

Thailand is the first country in Asean to apply for GI protection in the EU and the first to encounter opposition.

Source: Bangkok Post