Olaria Negra de Bisalhães already has a geographical indication of the European Union

O process of confection of the black pottery of Bisalhães was registered by UNESCO, on November 29, 2016, in the list of intangible Cultural Heritage that needs urgent safeguards.

Now, according to the House of Vila Real, in a statement, the entry in the Union register of Geographical Indications of craft and industrial products confirms “the European recognition of this unique expression of Portuguese craft heritage”.

“ This register represents an important milestone in the valorization, promotion and safeguarding of the black pottery of Bisalhães, a secular artisanal tradition recognized for its authenticity, the know-how transmitted between generations and its strong connection to the territory of origin ", says the municipality.

This form of pottery is considered a hard, demanding craft, using processes that go back at least to the 16th century. The manufacturing process includes from the initial treatment of clay to cooking.

The pieces that are born by the hands of the artisans are then cooked in old ovens open on earth, where giestas, caruma, carquejas and muffled later with dark earth, the same that will give it black color.

Art has been at risk of extinction and today there are few potters, but after classification, steps have been taken in training and there are already new craftsmen to work.

According to the municipality, the entry in the register of the European Union reinforces “the legal protection of this geographical indication, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and to the affirmation of identity and quality associated with this unique craft product”.

The registration decision was issued by the European Union Intellectual Property Institute (EUIPO) on Wednesday, but has been effective since 17 December 2025, when the geographical indication came to enjoy the protection provided by the European regime.

EUIPO has already explained that the new EU system for geographical indications of crafts and industrial products protects the designations of products whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are intrinsically linked to their geographical origin.

It is a system similar to that for agricultural geographical indications and may protect the designations of hundreds of craft and industrial products throughout the European Union.