Amendments to the Russian Wine Law will have a negative effect on Italian exports – Ambassador

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – July 16, 2021) Amendments to Russia’s wine law will have a negative effect on Italian exports, Italian Ambassador to Moscow Pasquale Terracciano told Sputnik, adding that several manufacturers have already reported that their cargo was blocked at Russian customs.

Under the new law signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, foreign champagne producers must label their products as “sparkling wine” in the Russian market. French alcoholic beverage producer Moet Hennessy has suspended deliveries of champagne to Russia under the new law.

According to the Italian Ambassador, the introduction of new wine laws was dictated by the absolutely natural need to regulate the alcoholic beverage market, including wine production in Russia, in order to support local production and protect consumers.

“We fully understand and share this approach. Nonetheless, some aspects of the innovations baffle us, as they contradict the generally accepted international rules in force in this area,” said Terracciano.

The diplomat referred to the rules of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV).

“In particular, I want to talk about the new labeling standards, the requirement for a new registration for importers, cellar inspections. Several manufacturers have already informed me that their cargo has been blocked at Russian customs. Of course, this will affect Italian exports and will also have negative consequences for Russian consumers: there will be less choice and higher prices, “said the ambassador.