WSAPPG to probe impact of wine import certification in UK

The Wine and Spirit All Party Parliamentary Group (WSAPPG) is set to launch an inquiry into the impact of wine import certification.

Known as a VI-1 form, the WSAPPG wine import certification will come into effect on 1 January 2021.

The European Union (EU), which will become a third country importer to the UK, introduced the VI-1 form for third-country imports and will itself become a subject to the rule.

The investigation will study the wine import certification’s potential impact on the UK wine trade.

It follows after DefraUnder Secretary of State Victoria Prentissaid VI-1 impact would be “nil or negligible”.

Currently, 55% of wine consumed in the UK is imported from EU countries, and the wine from these countries is not subject to VI-1 checks and lab tests.

Once in effect, the certification rules will cost the UK wine trade an extra £70m annually, leading to a rise in wine prices.

The inquiry will be facilitated by the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

WSTA chief executive Miles Beale said: “It is extremely important that the UK wine trade take this opportunity to tell Government how their businesses will be impacted by the introduction of VI-1 certification.

“It is entirely within the Government’s gift to avoid imposing these complicated, costly and unnecessary checks.

“Politicians need to better understand this issue, which if it isn’t handled properly will see the UK’s world-leading wine industry facing a catastrophic disruption to trade.”

Companies across the wine industry are being invited to participate in the inquiry. They can submit evidence through the WSTA website.