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An EU rule is to be added the Windsor Framework and apply in Northern Ireland despite unionists trying to block it with a Stormont vote.<\/p>\n
Last year the EU rule failed to get cross-community approval at the Northern Ireland Assembly after unionists voted against it in what is known as an applicability motion.<\/p>\n
That meant it could not automatically apply in Northern Ireland although the ultimate decision rested with the UK government.<\/p>\n
The government has now decided the rule will be implemented as it will not create a new regulatory barrier between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The rule in questions deals with the protection of geographical indications (GI) for craft and industrial products.<\/p>\n
That means legally defining and protecting certain products, which are tied to a geographical area, and is considered a useful marketing tool that can add value.<\/p>\n
There are already GI indicator schemes for food and drink – for example, only sparkling wines from a certain area of France can be called Champagne.<\/p>\n
The new rule is extending this to cover manufactured goods, such as Italian Murano glass.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n