ARCHIVE: Wine CAP regime and reform

Wine within the EU is subject to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Wine Regime. These  rules set out arrangements that govern virtually every aspect of how the wine we drink is produced and marketed; from what grapes can be used, the production methods and processes that can be employed, through to ensuring that quality standards are upheld and that wine labels are clear for the consumer .

The rules governing the Regime are laid down in a number of EU regulations, and these are applied in the UK by the following Statutory Instruments:

  • SI No 386 Agriculture, England, The Wine Regulations 2009.
  • SI No 686 Common Agricultural Policy (Wine) (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2001 (as amended in 2003 by SI No 114, in 2004 by No 1046, in 2005 by No 2992, in 2006 by No 1499 and in 2007 by No 1943);
  • SI No 2193 Common Agricultural Policy (Wine) (Wales) Regulations 2001 (as amended in 2003 by No 1776, in 2004 by No 2599 and in 2006 by No 1716); and
  • SSI No 325 Common Agricultural Policy (Wine) (Scotland) Regulations 2002 (as amended in 2003 by No 164, in 2004 by No 272 and in 2006 by No 311).
  • full details available on the Office of Public Sector Information website

Reform

On 4 July 2007 the European Commission published its proposal for the reform of the Common Market Organisation (CMO) for wine. On 19 September 2007 Defra launched a consultation to gather views on the Commission’s proposal, the policy initiatives it contains and any comments on the accompanying impact analysis.

Development of this proposal began on 22 June 2006 when the Commission launched its consultation paper ‘Towards a Sustainable European Wine Regime’ which outlined four possible options for reform, ranging from essentially maintaining the status quo, to complete deregulation, with two intermediate steps, one based on the model of other CAP reforms or a hybrid model devised by the Commission. The responses to Defra’s consultation indicated general support, with certain qualifications, for a more market oriented regime with simpler labelling rules.

A copy of the Commission’s proposal, the impact analysis and other related promotional material, and Defra’s consultation can be downloaded from the following links.  

Enforcement

The Food Standards Agency is designated as the competent authority for the enforcement and execution of Community regulations in the wine sector within the UK at all stages within the production and marketing chain other than retailing which rests with Local Authorities. See contacts page for contact details.

EU Legislation

The following provides brief insight of the key EU legislation relating to the CAP Wine Regime. (It should be noted that new Regulations will soon be published to replace existing rules for labelling, quality schemes and oenological practices soon)

General rules

Basic Regulation

Council Regulation (EC) No. 479/2008 on the common organisation of the wine market.

Detailed rules

Labelling

Commission Regulation (EC) No. 753/2002 lays down the description, designation, presentation and protection of certain wine sector products

Trade with Third Countries

Commission Regulation (EC) No. 555/2008 lays down the detailed rules regarding trade with third countries

Documents and Records

Commission Regulation (EC) No. 436/2009 lays down the detailed rules concerning documents accompanying the carriage of wine and records to be kept in the wine sector

Wine Quality

Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1607/2000 lays down detailed rules for quality wines

Oenological Practices and Processes (wine-making)

Commission Regulation (EC) No. 423/2008 establishes a common code of oenological practices and processes

Page last modified: 21 July 2009
Page published: 21 July 2009