Global Wine Compliance,Simplified
Navigate the complex maze of international wine regulations with confidence. One solution for every market, every regulation, every label.
The Global Regulatory Burden
Wine producers and agents operating internationally face a daunting regulatory landscape. Labels must comply not only with EU laws but also with multiple, often conflicting, requirements in markets across the Americas, Asia, and beyond.
Failing to meet these rules can be costly, time-consuming, and damaging to brand reputation. Missing a single detail can have serious consequences, making global compliance a complex and ongoing burden.
EU Regulations – The Foundation of Complexity
EU Regulation 1169/2011 – Food Information to Consumers
Requires detailed labeling on ingredients, allergens, nutritional content, and more. Every label must be accurate and compliant—mistakes can lead to fines, product recalls, or reputational damage.
EU Regulation 2021/2117 – Wine Labeling Requirements
Specific to wine, this regulation mandates precise information, formatting, and terminology. Required details include:
- Product name and category
- Alcohol content percentage
- Allergen declarations
- Country of origin
- Vintage/harvest year
- Complete ingredients list
- Net quantity (bottle volume)
- Producer/importer details
International Regulations – Exporting Adds Layers of Complexity
🇺🇸 United States (TTB & FDA)
Brand name, class/type, alcohol content, sulfite declaration, origin, and compliance with food labeling rules if additives or health claims are used. Wording and formatting differ significantly from EU rules.
🇨🇦 Canada (CFIA)
Bilingual labels, alcohol content, allergens, nutritional facts, plus provincial variations in vintage or varietal reporting. French and English translations must be accurate and culturally appropriate.
🌏 Asia (Japan, China, South Korea)
Requires local language translations, importer info, certification, and detailed ingredient/allergen disclosure. Certification processes and formatting rules vary widely between countries.
🌍 Other Markets
Australia, New Zealand, and Latin American markets may require nutrition panels, environmental claims, QR codes linking to detailed info, and local allergen warnings. Each region has unique requirements that evolve regularly.
Operational Challenges for Producers and Agents
Constant Updates
Regulations are updated frequently across multiple regions, demanding regular label reviews and costly reprinting cycles.
Cross-Border Variability
Different markets require distinct labeling terms, formats, and languages—creating a patchwork of requirements.
Printing & Packaging Costs
Each update or new market entry can trigger reprinting of thousands of bottles, impacting your bottom line.
Error Risk
Manual labeling increases the chance of non-compliance, potentially halting sales or causing significant fines.
Documentation Burden
Managing compliance across dozens of jurisdictions requires significant time, staff, and expertise.
Translation Requirements
Multiple languages and local terminology add complexity and increase the risk of miscommunication.
User Privacy & GDPR – An Additional Layer of Complexity
In addition to complex labeling regulations, wine producers and agents must navigate strict data privacy laws when interacting with consumers. The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), along with similar laws in other regions, places significant responsibilities on producers, importers, and distributors, particularly when using digital tools such as QR code-based e-labels, marketing campaigns, or loyalty programs.
Key Implications for Wineries:
Consumer Data Collection
Any scanning of QR codes that collects personal data (e.g., emails, preferences, or survey responses) requires explicit consent. Failure to comply can lead to fines up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover.
Data Storage & Security
Personal data must be securely stored and protected against breaches. Wineries must implement technical and organizational measures—even for small consumer databases.
Cross-Border Transfers
Exporting data outside the EU (e.g., to servers in the U.S. or Asia) requires careful attention to international privacy standards and agreements.
Transparency & Accountability
Producers must provide clear privacy notices, handle data access requests, and maintain detailed records of all data processing activities.
Third-Party Responsibility
Using marketing platforms, analytics tools, or e-label services means wineries must ensure these providers are GDPR-compliant, adding further oversight requirements.
Operational Challenges:
- Digital initiatives that enhance consumer engagement now carry legal obligations and operational overhead.
- Staff must be trained in data privacy, and processes must be documented and regularly audited.
- Even minor lapses in compliance can result in costly fines, reputational damage, or legal disputes.
For wineries, GDPR and other privacy regulations add another layer of complexity on top of existing labeling and export requirements. Integrating digital tools safely and legally is no longer optional—it is a critical operational challenge that demands careful planning, technical safeguards, and ongoing vigilance.
For producers and agents, these regulations are not merely legal obligations—they are operational hurdles.
From verifying ingredient lists to navigating international certifications, the labeling process is a constant, resource-intensive challenge.
Drinkscanner: Your Compliance Solution
Stop struggling with the regulatory burden. Drinkscanner transforms complex compliance into a simple, beautiful digital experience.