SWA gains GI protection for Scotch whisky in Indonesia

The Scotch Whisky Association has secured legal protection for ‘Scotch whisky’ in Indonesia, following a successful application to register the term as a Geographical Indication (GI).

whiskey and natural ice on old wooden table

GI recognition means the description “Scotch Whisky” can only be used on whisky produced in Scotland in accordance with production and labelling requirements, which state that Scotch can only be made from the raw materials of water, cereals and yeast and must be matured in Scotland for at least three years in oak casks.

Previously, Indonesia did not have a legal definition of Scotch whisky, making consumers susceptible to counterfeiting and fakes.

“Gaining increased protection for Scotch Whisky is fundamental to ensuring that consumers have confidence in the quality, provenance and history of what they are buying,” said Lindesay Low, legal deputy director of the Scotch Whisky Association.

“Our successful application to register “Scotch Whisky” as a GI in Indonesia gives the industry a much greater level of legal protection and represents another important milestone for Scotch Whisky as its popularity continues to rise in new and diverse markets.”

Indonesia joins more than 100 other countries which have officially recognised Scotch as a Scottish product, produced according to traditional methods and protected under law.