Traditional speciality guaranteed

This label differs from the geographical indications protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI) in that the TSG label does not certify that the protected food product has a link to a specific geographical area, and thus a product can be produced outside the area or country from which it originates.

To qualify for the TSG label, a food must be of "specific character" and its raw materials, production method, or processing must be "traditional".

Title III of European Union Regulation 1151/2012 (Articles 17-26) deals with the TSG scheme, with specific terms defined in Article 3: "specific character" is defined as "the characteristic production attributes which distinguish a product clearly from other similar products of the same category", and "traditional" is defined as "proven usage on the domestic market for a period that allows transmission between generations; this period is to be at least 30 years".

"The legal function of the TSG is to certify that a particular agricultural product objectively possesses specific characteristics which differentiate it from all others in its category, and that its raw materials, composition or method of production have been consistent for a minimum of 30 years.

Thus, TSG food denominations are registered trade signs with a distinctive function.