Checklists is a long-established guide to the regulation of wine and spirits in both the UK and the EU. It sets out the legislation applicable to the production of wines and spirits, as well legislation on the broader aspects of packaging, description and presentation. Where appropriate the guide also includes links to guidance and interpretations of the legislation, which have been published by government, enforcement bodies including the Wine Standards Branch, and by the WSTA in collaboration with our Primary Authorities.
Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Issues Common To All Product Categories
- 3. Still Wine, sparkling, and liqueur wines
How to use this Guide
Sections 1 and 2 deal broadly with general issues applicable to wines and spirits, with sections 3-6 dealing with legislation and guidance relevant to the appropriate product categories.
You can download each section separately using the “Download this section” buttons, or the full document can be downloaded here:
Impact of Brexit and the end of the Transition Period
The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, and entered into a Transition Period until 31 December 2020. During this time EU legislation continued to apply in the EU.
From 1 January 2021 the UK will enter into a new trading arrangement with the EU and we expect there will be a period of adjustment while new legislation is enacted and enforced.
We will work to keep members up to date on changes to both UK and EU legislation, as well as government guidance on application and enforcement of the rules.
Section 1: Introduction
The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, and entered into a Transition Phase until 31 December 2020. During this time EU legislation continued to apply in the EU.
In broad terms, EU legislation was carried over into UK legislation and many – but not all – aspects of the familiar regulations will continue to apply following the end of the Transition Phase. Overtime it is anticipated that EU and UK legislation may diverge.
The guide will include links to the relevant legislation of both the UK and EU. Members will need to be aware that the application and impact of the legislation, for example labelling requirements, may vary for identical products placed on the market in the UK and the EU.
- 1. Arrangement Of Sections
- 2. Introduction
- 3. ‘The Law’ And Its Enforcement
- 4. Getting A Label ‘Approved’
- 5. Misleading Descriptions
- 6. Member States/Euro-Zone Members/Aspirant Member States/EEA/Third Countries
- 7. Intervention Boards
- Annes A - Some of the Principal UK Legislation Relating to Trading.
- Annex B - Some primary EU, and UK Secondary legislation operative in the UK’s alcoholic beverage sector.
- Annex C - Descriptions Considered Misleading in the UK Market
Section 2: Issues Common To All Product Categories
- 1. Average fill
- 2. Prescribed sizes
- 3. The e mark
- 4. the lot mark
- 5. packaging
- 6. Documentation
- 7. Importation in bulk
- 8. Labelled declaration of alcoholic strength
- 9. 'Best before end...'
Section 3: Still Wine, sparkling wine and liqueur wines
Following the departure of the UK from the EU, and the end of the transition period, the UK has retained EU legislation, including legislation relating to food labelling, wines, aromatised wines and spirits.
Sparkling products
Liqueur wines
Labeling Annexes
Section 4: Aromatised wines
The description and presentation of aromatised wines and flavoured wine-based products.Â
This section deals with three main product categories derived from products of the wine sector as referred to in EU Reg 1308/2013Â
Section 5: Spirit drinks
Summary of EU legislation relating to spirit drink production and labelling.Â
Section 6: Made and Ready to Drink products (RTDs)
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