Exporting wine from the UK to the EU has become more intricate since Brexit. While the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) allows tariff-free trade for qualifying goods, wine shipments now require customs declarations, border checks, and compliance with EU import standards. Below is a concise guide to help UK exporters understand the core steps, from obtaining a VI-1 certificate to ensuring correct labeling and customs procedures.
1. Navigating the Post-Brexit Landscape
When the UK left the EU single market and customs union on 1 January 2021, UK wine exports to the EU moved under “third country” rules. Even though the TCA grants zero tariffs on wine of UK origin, exporters must:
- Verify rules of origin to confirm that their wine is deemed UK-origin (for instance, English wine made from UK-grown grapes).
- Complete customs formalities, including export declarations and VI-1 certificates.
- Comply with EU labeling and packaging standards.
If your wine does not qualify as UK origin (for example, re-exporting non-UK wine without sufficient processing), the EU’s common external tariff may apply.
2. Essential Business Registrations
2.1 EORI Number
A UK Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number (beginning with “GB”) is mandatory for all exports. Apply via HMRC if you do not already have one. Without a valid EORI, you cannot lodge export declarations or clear goods out of the UK.
2.2 Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS)
If you sell alcohol (including wine) to UK businesses, you likely need approval from HMRC under the AWRS. This ensures you are registered to trade alcohol in bulk or wholesale. Keep your AWRS Unique Reference Number handy for invoices and potential HMRC checks.
2.3 Excise Duty Approvals
Wine is an excise-duty product. If you plan to export under duty suspension (so you do not pay UK excise before the goods leave), you or your warehouse must be approved by HMRC. Movements of duty-suspended wine must be tracked in the Excise Movement and Control System (EMCS), which verifies that the goods actually leave the UK.
2.4 Food Standards Registration
Since wine is considered a food product, UK producers and exporters should register as a food business with their local authority and be aware of Wine Standards rules. For official export documents like the VI-1 certificate, you need a Wine Standards Board (WSB) registration number from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) or Food Standards Scotland (FSS).
3. Required Documentation
3.1 VI-1 Certificate
The VI-1 is a wine export certificate and analysis report mandated by the EU for wine imports from third countries. It confirms that the wine meets EU oenological standards and includes details like alcohol content and acidity.
- Lab Analysis: If you produce wine in the UK, you must have analytical data to populate the VI-1.
- Application to DEFRA: Submit the test results and other details (including your WSB number) to obtain the VI-1 form.
- Presentation at EU Border: The EU importer needs the original or valid copy of the VI-1 for customs clearance.
Exemptions: Very small shipments, personal gifts under certain thresholds, or small samples may not require a VI-1.
3.2 Commercial Invoice
A detailed commercial invoice must accompany all exports. It should include:
- Seller and buyer names and addresses
- A clear description of the wine (including HS code, e.g. 2204 for still wine)
- Quantity, packaging details, and total weight
- Value and currency, along with Incoterms (e.g., FOB, DAP)
- Country of origin declaration if you are claiming tariff preference under the TCA
3.3 Customs Declarations
All goods leaving Great Britain require a customs export declaration via HMRC’s electronic systems. You (or your freight forwarder/broker) will input key data (commodity code, value, origin, etc.). After processing:
- HMRC issues a Movement Reference Number (MRN).
- You receive permission to progress and an Export Accompanying Document (EAD).
- If exporting under duty suspension, also record the movement in EMCS. When the wine departs, HMRC should automatically discharge your excise obligation.
Upon arrival in the EU, the importer will file an EU import declaration, pay any VAT and excise duty due, and present the VI-1 certificate.
3.4 Export Health Certificates
Standard grape wine does not require an Export Health Certificate because it is a non-animal food product. The VI-1 document serves as the primary regulatory certificate for wine, alongside usual commercial documentation.
4. Labeling and Packaging Standards
4.1 EU Wine Label Requirements
All wine exported to the EU must adhere to EU labeling laws, which typically include:
- Product category (“Wine,” “Sparkling Wine,” etc.)
- Alcohol by volume (e.g., 12.5% vol)
- Net volume (e.g., 750 ml)
- Allergen declaration (“Contains sulfites”)
- Lot number for traceability
- Origin statement (“Product of England, United Kingdom”)
- Importer’s name and address within the EU
- Energy information (e.g., “70 kcal/100 ml”) on the physical label
- Ingredient list can be provided via a QR code if meeting EU’s new rules
Labels must be in a language understood by the consumer in the target EU country.
4.2 Packaging Requirements
- Bottles: Must be food-safe and typically follow approved EU sizes for wine (e.g., 750 ml).
- ISPM 15 pallets: Any wooden packaging or pallets must be heat-treated and stamped to meet plant health rules.
- Recyclable materials: EU packaging directives encourage sustainability, so stick to standard recyclable glass, cardboard, and minimal heavy metals.
5. Customs Declarations UK: Streamlining Your Export Process
Navigating these rules alone can be time-consuming. Customs Declarations UK offers an intuitive platform that helps you prepare and submit customs declarations seamlessly. From verifying approved establishments to lodging the correct documentation, the platform eases the burden of administrative tasks. By using Customs Declarations UK, exporters can minimize delays, reduce additional costs, and ensure their wine shipments are compliant with EU rules when they reach the border. This streamlined approach lets you focus on producing and marketing your wine, rather than wrestling with complex procedures.
6. Conclusion
While exporting wine from the UK to the EU is more involved than it was pre-Brexit, it remains feasible with the right preparation. Secure your EORI and AWRS credentials, obtain the VI-1 certificate if required, carefully complete your commercial documents, and ensure EU-compliant labeling. Submitting timely, accurate customs declarations—potentially through a dedicated service such as Customs Declarations UK—is the final piece to achieving a smooth export flow. By staying informed on changing rules and maintaining robust compliance, UK wine exporters can continue to reach consumers across Europe and enjoy the benefits of the TCA’s tariff-free access for qualifying goods.