New import controls will save British businesses and consumers “millions of pounds” per year on wine, it has been revealed.
The report comes after the Government pledged to cut red tape for importers later this year, paving the way for “substantial savings”.
According to the latest statistics, the UK imported and consumed around £2.18 billion of wine in 2020, representing the second-largest wine market in the world.
But the new rules will remove the requirement for VI-1 certificates on all imports of wine into Great Britain – potentially cutting the cost of each bottle by around 10p.
VI-1 certificates are currently used by the European Union and the UK to certify that third country of origin wine exported or moved from GB to the EU or NI complies with EU regulations and has been produced using winemaking practices that are either or both:
- authorised by the EU (or provided for in trade agreements that are concluded by the EU)
- produced in accordance with winemaking practices recommended and published by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine.
Commenting on the changes, Food and Drink Minister Victoria Prentis said: “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 Ranil Jayawardena added: “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 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.”
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