The European wine industry strongly welcomes the consent of the European Parliament to the EU-Japan Trade Agreement

Brussels, 12 December 2018 – The European Parliament’s plenary confirmed today the consent to the EU-Japan Trade Agreement by a large majority of MEPs in favour. The European wine sector applauds the vote, which brings us one step closer to its entry into force.

“Today’s decision by the European Parliament is a big step forward. The trade agreement will boost our exports to Japan and will enhance our position as export leaders”, said Jean-Marie Barillère, President of CEEV.

The Free Trade Agreement will provide valuable preferential access to EU wines and will dismantle technical barriers that are currently hindering the wine trade. It will also protect European wine Geographical Indications from usurpations.

“We trust that all necessary steps will now be taken to ensure the entry into force of the agreement in February 2019”, said Dr Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV. “Trade agreements are essential components of EU wine competitiveness and contribute to generating jobs, growth and innovation in rural wine-producing areas.”

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Facts & Figures

• Japan is a longstanding priority market for the EU wine sector. Today it is the 5th export market for EU wines. In 2017, exports of EU wine to Japan accounted for €800 million;
• The reasons why the EU wine industry supports the EU-Japan FTA:
  • Customs duties will be eliminated for all wines at the entry into force of the agreement. This will allow EU wines to compete on a level playing field with third countries’ wines
  • Technical barriers to trade related to the authorisation of oenological practices will be removed.
  • Protection of Geographical Indications: 100 high-quality EU GIs wines will enjoy the same level of protection that they have in Europe
  • A Joint Wine Committee will be created to foster collaboration and dialogue between the EU and Japan, and to solve conflicts related to wine.