Ministers today (25 July) pledged to cut red tape for British
wine importers - saving British wine lovers up to £130m a year.
Once implemented, the change would remove the requirement
for VI-1 certificates on all imports of wine into Great Britain,
which means substantial savings for consumers and
businesses.
The move will take away a significant burden on our wine
trade, the second largest in the world in value terms. Industry
analysis suggests that VI-1 certificates add 10p to every bottle
of imported wine.
Removing this measure will cut red tape and ensure
importing wine to the Great Britain is as streamlined as
possible.
Food and Drink Minister
said:
“The British wine industry has increasingly delivered
fantastic wines at great value from all around the world.
“Cutting this needless red tape will place our businesses
in a stronger position internationally, as they continue to grow,
while consumers can raise a glass to great wine from around the
world.
“Great Britain is already a global hub in the international
wine trade, supporting many jobs across the country. Ending the
requirement for import certificates will strengthen this position
and is a clear benefit of now having the freedom to determine our
own rules.”
International Trade Minister said:
“It’s fantastic that the British people will no longer have
to pay for unnecessary bureaucracy when they buy a bottle of
wine.
“Trade is key for economic growth and levelling up the
country. Through our trade deals, we are making it easier for
British consumers to access to top-quality products from around
the world – including wine – and we are bringing down foreign
trade barriers to open up even more opportunities for British
businesses to succeed overseas.”
Industry analysis suggests that this move will ultimately
reduce the cost of wine for consumers. This will mean that wine
drinkers around the country will be able to enjoy the same
high-quality products from across the world at a cheaper price -
on average 10p per wine bottle imported into GB.
