Calais-Caudry Lace aims to achieve European Geographical Indication status

Recognized as a protected geographical indication in France, Dentelle de Calais-Caudry says it has started the process of becoming a European geographical indication to better protect its identity against low-quality counterfeits.

From December 1, the European Union will introduce a simplified procedure under Regulation 2024/1143, which now governs geographical indications and protected designations of origin in its Member States.

Crucially, Europe is now extending a protection regime to artisanal, manufactured and industrial products, which was previously reserved for agricultural products, food and spirits.

“The Dentelliers of Calais-Caudry have already submitted their application to the INPI, which is responsible for transmitting their application to the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office), so that their geographical indication can be recognized throughout the European Union,” say the lace makers of Calais and Caudry.

Dentelle de Calais-Caudry became a regulated geographical indication in France at the beginning of 2024. It took representatives of the local sector five years to achieve this objective, which aims to distinguish and protect a know-how that is more than two centuries old, and which is based on the use of imposing and complex Leavers looms, which give their name to the lace they produce. In 1958, the “Dentelle de Calais” label was launched and in 2015 it became “Dentelle de Calais-Caudry”, to include manufacturers from the Caudry area.

“Regularly faced with very poor quality counterfeits that damage their image and sales, the lace makers of Calais-Caudry will benefit, by obtaining this European geographical indication, from legal protection in the 27 countries of the Union”, states the brand, which hopes that “this guarantee of authenticity and quality, which will reassure all designers, stylists and lovers of Calais-Caudry lace, will help safeguard this know-how, these “passions” and accelerate international development.”

Calais-Caudry lace is currently produced in Calais by Codentel, Cosetex, Noyon (Darquer) and Sophie Hallette/Riechers Marescot, which also operates in Caudry. The city is also home to Beauvillain Davoine, Darquer & Méry, Dentelles André Laude, Dentelles MC, Jean Bracq and Solstiss.