What certification and labeling requirements are required for exporting wine to the European and American markets?

Exporting wine to the European and American markets requires strict certification and labeling requirements. The following is a summary of the main contents:

I. EU market requirements

1. Core certification
   Food contact material certification: wine bottles, bottle stoppers, etc. must comply with EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 to ensure material safety.

Organic certification (if applicable): If marked “organic”, it must pass the EU organic certification (EU 2018/848).

Geographical indication protection (if applicable): If the wine is produced in a specific production area (such as champagne), it is necessary to register PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) or PDO (Protected Designation of Origin).

2. Labeling requirements
   Mandatory content:

Product name (such as “wine” or “spirits”).

Alcohol concentration (% vol).

Net content (in EU standard units, such as 750ml).

Name and address of manufacturer/importer.

Batch number (LOT number).

Allergen reminder (if containing sulfites ≥ 10mg/kg, it is necessary to indicate “contains sulfur dioxide”).

Shelf life (if the alcohol content is <10%, it is necessary to indicate “best before”).

Language requirements: The official language of the target country must be used (such as French, German, etc.).

Nutrition label: From 2023, alcoholic beverages must be labeled with energy values ​​(kcal/kJ), and other nutrients are voluntary.

3. Other requirements
   Tax mark: Some countries (such as France) need to affix tax labels on the bottle.

Environmental compliance: The packaging must comply with the EU Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC).

2. US market requirements
3. Core certification
   TTB certification: Alcoholic beverages must submit formula and label approval (COLA certification) to the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

FDA registration: The production facility must be registered with the FDA in compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).

State license: Some states (such as California) require additional licenses.

2. Labeling requirements
   Mandatory content:

Brand name.

Alcohol category (such as “distilled spirits” and “wine”).

Alcohol concentration (% alc/vol).

Net content (in US standard units, such as 750ml).

Manufacturer/importer name and address.

Health warnings (such as “Pregnant women should not drink”).

Country of origin (non-US products must be marked with “Product of [Country]”).

Nutrition label: Voluntary labeling, but if it claims “low sugar”, it must comply with FDA standards.

3. Other requirements
   Federal tax label: Imported alcohol must be affixed with the TTB tax label (except for some exemptions).

Ingredient statement: If it contains common allergens (such as sulfites), it must be marked.

III. General suggestions
Advance compliance review: Entrust a local agent or third-party agency to review the label and formula.

Pay attention to dynamic regulations: such as the EU’s new labeling law in 2023, the US TTB update, etc.

Additional requirements for special categories:

Organic wine: must comply with the USDA Organic or EU organic standards.

Halal/kosher certification: for specific consumer groups.