13 Jan 2023 Alcohol Labelling in Ireland: What’s Changing?
Despite pushback from Italy, France and Spain, the EU has approved Irish legislation that introduces health warnings on alcohol labels.
The decision provoked reactions from international political forces and Italian trade associations, above all in the wine sector, which have accused Ireland of equating wine with cigarettes, at least as far as labelling goes.
We are still awaiting the opinion of the World Trade Organization, which will have 60 days to provide it: Eurolabel will keep you updated.
Required Information
When it comes into force, the new labelling regulation will ensure that no alcoholic product can be sold without containing a warning informing the public that:
- “Drinking alcohol causes liver disease”.
- “There is a direct link between alcohol and fatal cancers”.
- As well as a symbol representing the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant.
Timeframes for Final Approval of the Irish Law
Once officially implemented by the Irish government, the alcohol industry will have three years to apply the labels to their products.
As of today, the regulation has been approved by the EU. The World Trade Organization has yet to give its opinion, and has until 13 March 2023 to do so.