If adding QR codes to your wine labels for ingredient and nutritional information feels overwhelming, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Our easy-to-follow guide breaks down the process, helping you comply with the latest EU labeling standards while showcasing industry-leading best practices. As of December 8th, 2023, wineries in the EU must adhere to strict labeling regulations for wine bottles. This includes providing ingredient and nutritional information, which can be displayed electronically via QR codes.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, making sure your labels not only meet regulations but also stand out in the market. Dive into the essentials with us and simplify the steps to get your wine labels up to code, effortlessly blending compliance and excellence.
Table of Contents
QR Code Placement and Labeling
The QR code must be located on the wine label in the same field as other mandatory information. There should be a clear heading, such as “Ingredients” or “Nutrition Declaration,” to indicate the purpose of the QR code. Avoid using generic symbols like “i”.
Energy Value Display
The physical label must display energy values, expressed in both kilojoules (kJ) and kilocalories (kcal), per 100 ml. Even if you use a QR code, energy values must still appear on the label. The physical label must display these values, potentially marked with the symbol “E” for clarity. When denoting energy, use the format where ‘k’ is lowercase and ‘J’ is uppercase in kilojoules, and for kilocalories, ensure ‘kcal’ is written entirely in lowercase. This consistent formatting helps maintain clarity and compliance with labeling standards.
- 100ml: E = 312 kJ / 75 kcal
- Energy per 100ml: 330 kJ / 75 kcal
The energy value displayed on wine labels must be in clear text, with the height of the font measuring at least 1.2 mm. This specification ensures that the information is easily readable, facilitating consumers to quickly identify the caloric content of the wine per 100 ml. Adhering to this font size requirement enhances transparency and helps consumers make informed decisions about their wine choices.
Alcohol Content and Volume
For beverages with an alcohol content exceeding 1.2%, the actual alcoholic strength by volume must be clearly indicated on the label. This should be expressed in percentage units or half-units to one decimal point, such as “0.0“, followed by the symbol “% Vol. XXX ml“. This format ensures precise and understandable communication of alcohol content to consumers.
Eg. 500ml bottle with 12.5% alcohol content, you have to add 12.5% Vol. 500 ml
Indication of Origin
You must include an “indication of provenance” on your label. The terms used to express this can vary depending on the origin of the wine. Examples include Wine from [region], Produced in [region], Product of [region], Wine from the European Union, as appropriate. These distinctions help consumers understand where the wine was produced and ensure compliance with traceability regulations.
Wine Category
According to Part II of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, wine labels must clearly designate one of the following categories: wine, new wine still in fermentation, liqueur wine, sparkling wine, quality sparkling wine, or quality aromatic sparkling wine, among others. However, if the label already includes the name of a protected designation of origin (PDO) or a protected geographical indication (PGI), the need to identify this category is eliminated. Designation and Geographical Indications should be next to the origin without the need for translation. This provision guarantees that the label contains important information while also acknowledging the value of established geographical wine identities.
Exemptions for Wines Bottled Before December 8, 2023
Wines that were bottled or labeled prior to December 8, 2023, are exempt from the new labeling regulations introduced by Regulation (EU) 2021/2117. This stipulation allows bottles produced and labeled before this cutoff date to continue being marketed with their original labels, without the need to conform to the updated requirements. These bottles remain compliant with the regulations that were in effect at the time of their production and labeling, ensuring that there is no disruption to existing stocks on the market.
By following these guidelines, wineries can easily integrate QR codes into their labels, ensuring both compliance with EU regulations and transparency for consumers.
Frequently asked Questions and Answers about wine e-label
What are the new EU wine labeling requirements?
As of December 8th, 2023, all wines must display a nutrition declaration and a list of ingredients, including allergens and additives.
Nutrition Declaration: This includes the energy value and amounts of fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and salt per 100ml.
List of Ingredients: This includes all ingredients, additives (with E-numbers), and processing aids that might cause allergies or intolerances.
These requirements aim to provide consumers with greater transparency regarding the wine’s composition.
Do the new labeling rules apply to wines already on the market?
The new requirements apply to wines produced on or after December 8th, 2023. Wines produced before this date can be sold with the previous labeling until stocks are exhausted.
Can I use a QR code to display information?
Yes, but the QR code must lead directly to the nutrition declaration and list of ingredients without collecting user data. Read more about getting started with qr-code wine labels.
Does the QR code need to remain active indefinitely?
It should ideally remain accessible for the wine’s consumable life under normal storage conditions. This ensures consumers can access the information throughout the product’s life.
What if certain nutrient amounts are negligible in my wine?
If any nutrient amounts are negligible, you can replace the numerical value with a statement like “Contains negligible amounts of…” in close proximity to the nutrition declaration.
How should I list the ingredients on the label?
The list must:
Start with the word “Ingredients.”
List ingredients in descending order of weight at the time of use.
Use specific names for ingredients (e.g., “Tartaric acid” instead of “acidity regulator”).
Indicate allergens in a way that distinguishes them from the rest of the list (e.g., bold, different font, color).
Can I use a QR code to display the nutrition and ingredient information?
Yes, you can choose to display the nutrition declaration and list of ingredients “off-label” using electronic means like a QR code, provided it:
Appears in the same field of vision as other mandatory information on the label.
Leads directly to the required information in a clear and accessible format.
Does not collect any user data or track user activity.
Is not displayed with any sales or marketing information.
However, the energy value in kJ/kcal must still be displayed on the label, even when using a QR code.
Check our membership plans and start creating e-label today.
What information needs to be on the physical label when using a QR code?
The physical label must still contain all other mandatory information required for wine labeling (e.g., wine category, alcohol content, origin, producer). Additionally, clear and legible text must be displayed near the QR code, indicating that it contains the nutrition declaration and list of ingredients.
I am an exporter outside the EU; do these rules apply to me?
Yes, any wine sold within the EU market, regardless of origin, must comply with these new labeling requirements to be marketed within the bloc. This ensures a level playing field and consistent information for all consumers. Read more about mandatory labeling requirements for packaging for Italian Market.
Can I display the nutritional information on my website?
Yes, only thing you should be concerned is that there should not be any promotional content on the label page and the page should not acquire any personal information from the visitor. eWinetag.com offers redirection service so you do not have to create the whole new system on your own. Create e-label on eWinetag.com and everytime a customer scans your QR it will redirect it to your company website. Read more…