Guidance needed to ensure a consistent implementation of the new provisions on compound terms, mixtures and allusions (…)
The provisions on compound terms, mixtures and allusions are among the more complicated and controversy-prone parts of the EU’s spirit drinks regulation. The wording has changed considerably during the recent revision.In the light of the difficulties encountered in the past in uniformly interpreting and applying these rules, we asked the European Commission in February 2019 for a document to guide both, producers and administrations in the Member States, to achieve the highest possible level of certainty and harmonisation when interpreting the provisions on compound terms, mixtures and allusions. Inter alia, the guidance document should clarify the rules on the presentation and labelling of an alcoholic beverage and explain in detail how compound term describing an alcoholic beverage should be presented.
We are very grateful that the Commission has positively responded to our request and is planning to provide such guidance after the publication of the new Regulation expected in April this year. When drafting the document, the Commission will consult the Member States’ delegates in the Committee of Spirit Drinks and stakeholders in the Civil Dialogue Group for Spirit Drinks.
The new provisions on compound terms, mixtures and allusions will apply only two years after the entry into force of the new Spirit Drinks Regulation. This will provide sufficient time to thoroughly consult all concerned parties to issue the most complete possible guidance, allowing for uniform interpretation of the provisions and ultimaly for safeguarding a Single Market for spirit drinks.
