ARGENTINA: “Scotch Whisky” Leads Way as First Foreign Geographical Indication

A decision issued by the Argentine Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has granted protection to the geographical indication (GI) “Scotch Whisky” in the name of The Scotch Whisky Association. The registration will be valid and it will be possible to enforce the rights deriving from it in Argentina as long as the GI is protected in its country of origin. The decision came out on June 30, 2025. Argentine Law 25380, as amended by Law 25966, on appellations of origin and IGs for agricultural products and foodstuff (other than wines and spirits, which are regulated by Law 25163) provides for the recognition of foreign GIs.

The implementing regulations (Decree 556/09) further set out the proceedings and requirements to achieve registration of foreign GIs. Yet, despite these rules being in force, securing protection for foreign GIs remains a significant challenge in Argentina.

Scotch Whisky is the first foreign GI that the Argentine authorities have officially acknowledged. This milestone is expected to lead the way towards the protection of other foreign GIs in Argentina.

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