Bulgarian government wants legal protection for rose oil

The Bulgarian government wants to secure European Union (EU) geographical indication protection for local rose oil. It says the cosmetics and perfume ingredient is of such high quality that it should be registered in Brussels, preventing manufacturers selling ‘Bulgarian rose oil’ unless it is manufactured in Bulgaria by traditional methods. Bulgaria makes between 1,200kg and 1,500kg, with production only being exceeded by Turkey. Its government has approved a legal application for the European Commission, saying it is the “last stage of the national procedure”. Most geographical indications are reserved for food products – but some essential oils have this protection – such as lavender essential oil from Haute-Provence, France.