Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Commission Regulation (EEC) No 1014/90 of 24 April 1990 laying down
detailed implementing rules on the definition, description and presentation of
spirit drinks
2
have proved successful in regulating the spirit drinks sector.
However, in order to clarify the rules applicable to the definition, description,
presentation and labelling of spirit drinks as well as on the protection of
geographical indications of certain spirit drinks, while taking into account
traditional production methods, Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89 was repealed
and replaced by Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of 15 January 2008 of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008 on the definition,
description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indica-
tions of spirit drinks (hereinafter 'the Spirits Regulation').
3
This came into
effect from 20 May 2008.
4
Recital (4) to Regulation (EC) No 110/2008
explained that to ensure a more systematic approach in the legislation govern-
ing spirit drinks, 'this Regulation should set out clearly defined criteria for the
production, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks as well as on
the protection of geographical indications'.
5.02
In order to clarify certain provisions of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 and to
ensure their uniform implementation in the Member States, detailed rules were
promulgated in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 716/2013 of
25 July 2013
5
dealing in particular with the use of compound terms, allusions,
sales denominations and GIs for the presentation of spirit drinks and the
application, objection and cancellation procedure. Article 23 of Commission
Implementing Regulation (EU) No 716/2013 provides that it shall apply from
1 September 2013, but that Arts 3 and 4 shall apply from 1 March 2015.
B. SUBJECT MATTER AND SCOPE OF REGULATION (EC) NO 110/2008
1.
Includes geographical indications
Article 1(1) provides that the Spirits Regulation lays down rules on the
definition, description, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks as well as on
the protection of GIs of spirit drinks.
5.03
2
OJ L 105, 25.4.1990, p. 9. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2140/98 (OJ L 270, 7.10.1998,
p. 9).
3
Recital (1) of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 1576/89, OJ L 39/16,
13.2.2008.
4
Ibid, Art 30.
5
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 716/2013 of 25 July 2013 laying down rules for the application
of Regulation (EC) No 110/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the definition, description,
presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of spirit drinks (OJ L 201/21, 26.7.2013
pp. 21-30).
