On Tuesday 10 July, the environment committee of the European Parliament approved by a very large majority (51 votes for, 1 against and no abstentions), the proposal for a European regulation concerning the marketing of Shochu – a spirit bottled in Japan according to nominal quantities not existing in EU legislation.
The proposal for a regulation on minimal quantities for the marketing of Shochu aims to introduce an exemption to EU rules on the size of bottles for spirits, traditionally sold in bottles of four “go” or one “sho”, which correspond to nominal quantities of 720 ml and 1800 ml respectively. Such quantities are not currently among those authorised in the EU.
The proposal also aims to implement the EU/Japan economic partnership agreement. Once adopted, it will amend the regulation (110/2009) concerning the presentation, labelling and protection of geographical indications for spirit drinks. The European Parliament will give its position during the September plenary session. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)