Japan
A significant number of additives and processing aids commonly used in winemaking are being considered for approval for use in wines destined for the Japanese market over the next four years.
Historically, these additives and processing aids have not been authorised by Japan and this impacted the international wine community seeking to export its wines to the market. The European Union raised this issue during discussions towards a free trade agreement with Japan and the outcome of those discussions will benefit all wine exporters, including those from Australia.
The additives and processing aids will be approved for use in Japan in three tranches with several items in Phase 1 having come into effect on entry into force of the agreement on 1 February last year. Items in Phase 2 should be approved within 2 years (which would mean an approval date of February 2021) while items in Phase 3 should be approved within 5 years (i.e. by February 2024).
It should be noted that approval by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is only the first step in the approval procedures. Approval must also be granted by Japan’s National Tax Agency (NTA) before the items can be used by Australian exporters. To date, only those items marked with an asterix (*) in the table below have completed the two-step approval process. Approval of DMDC is one step closer with the NTA opening the public comment period to consider its approval. Comments close on 18 May 2020.
The phase in dates for additives and processing aids under the FTA:
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Phase 1 – On entry into force |
Phase 2 – Within 2 years |
Phase 3 – Within 5 years |
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Russia
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has released a new technical regulation, TR EAEU 047/2018 On Safety of Alcohol Products, which will come into force on 9 January 2021. In the interim, Russia has published a new Federal law on Wine Growing and Winemaking in the Russian Federation. This law will come into force on 26 June 2020 with no transition period and remain in effect for 6 months to 9 January 2021. After this date, the EAEU technical regulation will come into force. There are a number of inconsistencies between the two laws. Exporters are advised to review the latest Export Market Guide for further details.
European Union
The European Union (EU) Export Market Guide has undergone a significant update following the implementation of new EU Regulation 2019/934 on oenological practices and revised product definitions.
Other markets
Other Export Market Guides recently updated include Brazil, Nigeria, the Philippines and Hong Kong.