12/09/2018 (Agence Europe) – In Strasbourg on Wednesday 12 September, the European Parliament approved, by 611 votes to 20 and 65 abstentions, the proposed European regulation on the marketing of shōchū – a spirit drink bottled in Japan in line with nominal quantities that do not exist under EU law. The derogation to the EU rules on the presentation, labelling and protection of geographical indications for spirit drinks approved by this vote will make it possible to implement the EU/Japan economic partnership agreement. This proposal aims to introduce a derogation to the EU rules concerning the size of bottles of this drink, which is sold in bottles of four 'go' or one 'sho', corresponding to the nominal quantities of 720 mL and 1800 mL respectively, which are not currently among the nominal quantities authorised in the EU (see EUROPE 112059). (AN)