Legislation signed today will remove VI-1 certificates on all
wine imported to Great Britain from 1st January - saving GB wine
importers an estimated £130 million a year.
The UK is a major global hub of the fine wine trade. This measure
is part of the government’s work to reduce unnecessary burdens on
our businesses.
With the EU, which accounts for 50% of UK wine imports, set to
introduce new restrictions on imports from the EU effective 1st
January 2022, this legislation heads off that threat, allowing us
to remove unnecessary paperwork and streamline imports.
Food and Drink Minister said:
The UK wine industry delivers high quality, great value wine from
all over the world.
By removing this pointless red tape, our businesses are in a
stronger and more competitive position than before.
Ending the requirement for import certificates is an important
measure in supporting this vital industry, and a clear benefit of
our now having the freedom to determine our own rules.
A VI-1 certificate accompanies imports of wine into GB. It
provides details of the shipment of wine and a technical analysis
of that wine. VI-1 certificates currently accompany imports from
the rest of the world into GB but not from the EU.
Miles Beale, Chief Executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade
Association (WSTA), said:
This week marks the final hurdle in a two year battle to remove
unnecessary and costly inherited EU red tape on wine imports.
It is an historic moment for the UK’s world-leading wine trade
and will be cause for celebration for wine producers across the
world.
It’s great to know that government trusts the WSTA’s advice and
is listening to the concerns of business, particularly SMEs.
The change means from 1st January, all wine imported to GB will
no longer require VI-1 certificates.
As well as other actions taken, such as freeze on wine duty, this
measure will allow the UK to trade freely with the rest of the
world, and ensure our wine sector continues to thrive.
