FOR YOUR INFORMATION
We share below a number of recent developments. As always, we rely on FIVS Members to apprise us of noteworthy matters. Please contact the FIVS Secretariat with items that may be of interest.
Global: OIV moves to Dijon – The 48 member states of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) have formally accepted France’s proposal to transfer the OIV’s headquarters to the city of Dijon. The installation of the OIV in Dijon is planned for September 2022, and the city of Dijon will now begin work on the renovation of the Hotel Bouchu d’Esterno, which will house the new OIV headquarters. The OIV has been based in France since its creation in 1924.
International Trade
Australia-China: WTO panel to examine Chinese duties – The World Trade Organisation has agreed to set up a panel to examine China’s imposition of duties on imported Australian wine. WTO panels typically deliberate for six months before issuing their rulings, and outcomes may be appealed. After Australia called for an international inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus in 2018, which was first identified in central China, China imposed tariffs on Australian wine and barley, and limited imports of Australian beef, coal, and grapes. Some analysts contend that the measures taken by the Chinese governments were legally sound.
European Union – United States: Deal announced to ease steel and aluminum tariffs – The United States has reached an agreement with the European Union to lift some tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, resolving a trade dispute begun under the former Trump administration. Limited volumes of steel and aluminum products will be allowed to enter the United States tariff-free. In return, the European Union will suspend all retaliatory tariffs imposed, including on all American whiskeys. The European Union had previously planned to increase tariffs to 50% on some U.S. goods, including Kentucky bourbon, on 01 December 2021. The United Kingdom’s 25% tariff on American whiskeys still continues to apply, although there are renewed calls for its removal.
Labelling
European Union: U-LABEL platform to go live on 01 December 2021 – The U-LABEL platform, the online tool designed to support wine and spirits companies with their digital communication, will be opened to all wine and spirits companies on 01 December 2021, rather than 01 November 2021, to allow time for improvement of some technical features. The tool allows companies to provide EU consumers with relevant, accurate, and detailed information about their products by means of an e-label, accessible to consumers through a QR-code printed on the back-label of the bottle. The platform is open to any wine or spirits company wishing to commercialise their products in the European Union.
Russia – France: Russia suspends champagne label law through end of 2021 – France’s Deputy Trade Minister reported that Russia has agreed to establish a moratorium until 31 December 2021 on implementing new legislation that requires French champagne makers to label their bottles as sparkling wine. The French government had threatened to take the matter before the World Trade Organisation.
Food additives
Japan: Food additives amendment proposed – Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has opened a public consultation on an amendment determining which additives can be used for the preservation of alcohol beverages. Comments are due by 01 December 2021.
Abstention
India: Congress Party may require new members to declare they abstain from alcohol – Individuals joining India’s Congress Party may be required to declare that they abstain from drinking alcohol beverages. Some leaders of the party have argued that the requirement should be omitted from the application form, however, and a panel will be formed to consider the matter further.
International organisations
Americas: PAHO report advocates increased taxes, restrictions for alcohol – A report issued by the Pan American Health Organisation – Assessing Sustainable Development Goal Target Indicator 3.5.2: Trends in alcohol per capita consumption in the Americas 1990–2016 – concludes that a 20% reduction in total alcohol per capita consumption is not achievable in the Americas and that harmful use will likely increase unless regulation of alcohol is increased through increased excise taxes, comprehensive marketing restrictions, and limits on the hours of retail and alcohol sales. The study of 35 member states in the Americas found no change in alcohol per capita consumption from 1990 to 2016, except for a slight decrease from 2010-2016. Annual increases were found in the Caribbean and Central America, and large increases were observed during recent years in Cuba, Colombia, Uruguay, El Salvador, and several countries of the Non-Latin Caribbean.
Germany: Reducing tax burden on beer-based drinks to aid recovery from pandemic – The finance ministers of five German states – North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Hamburg, Bavaria, and Saarland – have reportedly decided to reduce the tax burden on so-called mixed beer beverages. They have advocated not taking into account the ingredients added after fermentation in the taxation of mixed beer beverages for a transitional period through 31 December 2030.
Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City lifts alcohol ban for on-site dining – HCMC’s Food Safety Management Authority has lifted its ban on alcohol for restaurants and bars that serve food. The alcohol ban, which had been in place since 25 May 2021, may be reimposed if COVID-19 cases rise. The HCMC People Committee currently considers 9 districts as safe, 12 as having medium risks, and one as having high risks.
NOTE: We make no warranty of any kind regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information in these FIVS Alerts; nor do we necessarily support or agree with views expressed or contained therein.