Brussels, 23/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - As announced (EUROPE of 21 February, p.8), the European Commission on Monday adopted a new regulation on wine labelling, which will allow third countries to use the same "traditional expressions" as the Member States of the EU, as long as they observe the same criteria which apply to the latter. A transitional period until 15 March is planned, to allow operators to get used to the new rules.
"The nature of the conditions which have to be fulfilled by third countries for the use of EU traditional expressions and the watchdog role of the Commission and the Member States in examining their requests constitute a guarantee against any abusive use", said Commissioner Franz Fischler in a press release. He believes that the changes brought to the regulation reinforce the protection of the interests of producers and consumers, guaranteeing greater market transparency and fair competition, and constitute a response to the EU's commitments at international level (certain third countries asked for the regulation to be changed in 2002, as they felt it introduced discrimination).
The modifications will allow both categories of traditional expressions, which can be included on labels to indicate wines of quality, to be brought together in one list. The first category included expressions which could be used by third countries under certain circumstances ("klassic", "château", "classico", "reserva"...). The second category, previously reserved exclusively for wines produced in the EU, included traditional expressions related to production in particular geographical areas, and off limits for non-Community wines on the Union market (such as "vin jaune", "amarone", "amontillado", "ruby"). Certain traditional expressions, such as "fino" and "claret", which have long been used in other parts of the world, were not allowed to appear in the EU market on wine labels produced by third countries.
Third countries will be allowed to use these expressions as long as the following conditions are met: -the traditional expression in question is recognised and governed either by legislation or rules laid down by producer organisations in the third country in question; -the term to be protected is distinctive and/or has a well-established reputation in the third country; this expression must have been used in the third country for at least ten years; -only traditional expressions in the official language of the third country are allowed. Using a traditional expression in a language other than the official language of the third country is only allowed if the legislation of this country allows the foreign language in question to be used, and if the said language has been in constant use in the country for at least 25 years.