Calwineries

World Wine Trade Group Agrees on Universal Label

The World Wine Trade Group (WWTG) recently agreed to some universal elements on wine labels. One of the WWTG’s goals is to ease regulatory burdens associated with imports.

As long as member countries of the WWTG, (United States, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, and Canada), include the required information on their labels, (product description, net content, country of origin, and alcohol percentage), no major redesigns will be necessary. The European Union has also approved these guidelines.

While this agreement is a step towards more open markets, certain national regulations will still have to be met. For example, in the United States, warning labels are mandatory and the existence of sulfites must be declared. All imports to America will still have to comply with these laws.

Packaging is a major expense in the wine industry, and redesigning labels can be particularly costly. To read the actual agreement, visit the World Wine Trade Group’s website