The Wine (Amendment) Regulations 2021 have made amendments to current regulation to ensure the UK meets the requirements to implement the provisions in the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA), the basis for trade in wine between the UK and the EU. Amendments include but are not limited to: changes to lot marking arrangements; transitional arrangements that will apply in respect of the labelling and marketing of wines; and the removal of VI-1 certificates requirement for all wine imported to the UK. 

Businesses that trade in wine should be aware of the changes and how they must adapt to be compliant.

The Food and Drink (Miscellaneous Amendments Relating to Food and Wine Composition, Information and Labelling) Regulations allow for trade continuity and availability for consumers of relevant products. The regulations apply to the trade, marketing, labelling and geographic indications of: caseins; honey; meat (excluding beef); minced meat (excluding beef) and wine.

Businesses that trade in products that fall under the scope of these regulations should appreciate the changes made and understand how they must adapt to be compliant.

The UKCA mark is relevant for goods sold in the EU. Labels with the UKCA mark can be added until 1 January 2023; after that the mark must be directly on the product. Different rules will apply in Northern Ireland.

A manufacturer intending to sell in GB and the EU will need two separate marks and conformity assessments as the EU will not recognise the UKCA or GB conformity assessment. 

A single identity product may need to be differently tested and labelled. This will result in changes such as production lines variations, multiple packaging orders, different conformity documentation and additional promotion/advertising/ specifications will be required. Long term impacts may include new distributor contracts in the EU or setting up an EU entity.

All products placed on the EU market must continue to comply with EU rules. Food from and sold in GB can be labelled as ‘origin EU’ until 30 September 2022. From 1 October 2022, food from GB must not be labelled as ‘origin EU’.

Regulation of product origin labels will change following the EU Transition Period. British food, drink and agricultural products must display the new geographical identification logos from 1 January 2024.