8th October 2007
UK Government acts to protect Scotch Whisky
The UK Government has announced that the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs will consult on legislation that delivers tighter definitions of Scotch whisky in UK law.
The proposed legislation will make special provisions relating to Scotch whisky, tightly defining the descriptions applied to Scotch whisky and its geographical origin. It will mean that if the product uses the name of a distillery then it must also come from that distillery.
The aim of these proposals is to help to support action against counterfeiting and passing off and put enforcement provisions in place to underpin the new EU Spirit Drinks Regulations.
Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP and Secretary of State for Scotland,
Des Browne said:
“Given the prominent role of Diageo in my constituency I am well aware of the importance of the Whisky industry to the local economy. These moves are another example of the UK Government working in a reserved area to protect one of Scotland's most important exports. Scotch whisky exports are worth over £2bn to the Scottish economy each year and the industry needs this proposed legislation to help maintain that figure and defend its high-value product from imitation in some overseas markets.”
The news was also welcomed by Diageo. A spokesperson for Diageo said:
“We are delighted that this legislation is being progressed. It reflects the industry's proposals to ensure there is improved protection of Scotch Whisky and that there is clear and consistent information for consumers.”
The proposals follows on from the announcement made in July that the Government of India will abolish the discriminatory Additional Duty levied on Scotch Whisky and other imported spirit drinks allowing imported and domestic spirits to compete on equal terms.
