This month, we take a look at the resolution that established the first general provisions on wine labelling and marked a crucial step in the fight against product falsification: the resolution AG 6/83-ECO, adopted in 1983.
Labelling in the OIV’s fundamental texts
The regulation of labelling is essential for the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). Since its creation in 1924, the wine sector has been confronted with various crises: overproduction difficult to control, frequent fraud, excessive taxes, the expansion of dry regimes and the revival of vineyards after the phylloxera crisis. Against this backdrop, the labelling approach has played a major role in ensuring product transparency and consumer protection.
One of the objectives of the Agreement of 20011 is the international harmonisation of existing practices and standards, and as necessary, to the preparation of new international standards. To achieve its objectives, the OIV works by drawing up recommendations relating to the definition and/or description of products, labelling and marketing conditions2.
One of the OIV's priorities is to ensure the authenticity of wine products, protect consumers and defend intellectual property rights. These issues led to the adoption of the first resolution to establish an International Standard for the Labelling of Wines.
The first resolution on wine labelling and the first OIV International Standard for the Labelling of Wines
The resolution AG 6/83-ECO3, adopted in 1983, established the first general provisions concerning wine labelling, such as definitions, compulsory information on the product name or the indication of the alcoholic strength. This resolution marked a crucial step in the fight against product falsification by imposing information guaranteeing the authenticity of the wine.
Extending and developing the International Standard for the Labelling of Wines
In 19854, the OIV extended this Standard by adopting new compulsory information such as the country of origin, the nominal volume and the address of the person responsible for pre-packaging. In 19885, these details were complemented by optional information.
The harmonisation of information relating to the geographical origin of wines has also been a major challenge. As early as 19476, the OIV adopted a definition of an appellation of origin. This work was updated and incorporated into the International Standard for the Labelling of Wines in 19927.
Over the years, the OIV has updated its recommendations to adapt to changes in the sector: determination of sugars8, indication of sulphites9, provisions on languages10 and the legibility of labels11. In this way, all information, whether optional or compulsory, has been regularly revised to guarantee greater consumer protection.
Evolution of the International Standard for the Labelling of Wines: alignment with the Codex Alimentarius
In 2017, the OIV Executive Committee (COMEX) mandated the Law and Consumer Information expert group (DROCON) to initiate a revision of the Standard for the Labelling of Wines. The main objective was to align with the provisions of the Codex Alimentarius, specifically those relating to the General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods (CODEX STAN 1-1985) and the Guidelines for Nutrition Labelling (CAC/GL 2-1985).
Over a period of seven years, the DROCON expert group has drawn up and adopted 10 resolutions updating the Standard for the Labelling. Some of these changes concern compulsory information, such as the amendment of the provisions on the indication of alcoholic strength12, information on allergenic residues13 and the definitions of geographical indications and appellations of origin14. The optional indications have also been revised, including those relating to medals and distinctions15, the name of the viticulture holding16, the ageing of the wine17, the vintage or harvest year18 and the name of the variety19.
Integration of electronic labelling and nutritional information: Resolution OIV-ECO 676-2024
The main achievement of this revision was the adoption of resolution OIV-ECO 676-202420 in October 2024. After seven years of discussions and work, a consensus was reached to integrate electronic labelling, the declaration of nutrients and the indication of ingredients into the International Standard for the Labelling of Wines.
Perspectives for extending revision of Labelling Standard to other wine products
The mandate of the Executive Committee in 2017 opened the way for a larger revision of the labelling of wine products, in response to developments in the sector and consumer expectations. This revision now makes it possible to transpose the discussions on wine to spirit beverages of vitivinicultural origin (BOISPI). The BOISPI expert group is currently working on the revision of the Standard for the labelling of these products, drawing directly on the work carried out by the DROCON group.
1 Article 2) 1. c) of Agreement of 3 April 2001 establishing the International Organisation of Vine and Wine
2 Article 2) 2. b) iii) of Agreement of 3 April 2001 establishing the International Organisation of Vine and Wine
3 Resolution AG 6/83-ECO – Information et formation du consommateur
4 Resolution AG 5/85-ECO - Norme étiquetage vins: indication trompeuses, volume nominal, pays origine, nom et adresse du responsable du préemballage
5 Resolution ECO 1/88 - Norme étiquetage des vins : indications facultatives
6 Resolution AG 1/47-ECO – Définition de l’appellation d’origine
7 Resolution ECO 2/92 - Indication géographique reconnue, appellation d'origine reconnue (définitions)
8 Resolution ECO 3/2003 – Determination of sugars
9 Resolution ECO 1/2003 – International OIV Standard for Labelling of Wines : Indication for sulphites
10 Resolution ECO 1/2006 – Harmonisation of labelling of wines - Language
11 Resolution ECO 2/2006 – Harmonisation of labelling of wine - Legibility
12 Resolution OIV-ECO 649-2020 – Update of the International Standard for Wine Labelling – Presentation of alcoholic strength and modalities for control of nominal volume
13 Resolution OIV-ECO 648-2020 – Update of the International Standard for Wine Labelling regarding labelling potentially allergenic additives and residues
14 Resolution OIV-ECO 656-2021 – Update of the definitions of geographical indication and appellation of origin
15 Resolution OIV-ECO 685-2022 – Update of the International Standard for Wine Labelling : Medals and Distinctions
16 Resolution OIV-ECO 700-2023 – Update of the International Standard for Wine Labelling: Name of the viticulture holding
17 Resolution OIV-ECO 698-2023 – Update of the International Standard for Wine Labelling: The ageing of wine
18 Resolution OIV-ECO 697-2023 – Update of the International Standard for Wine Labelling: Vintage or harvest year
19 Resolution OIV-ECO 696-2024 – Update of the International Standard for Wine Labelling: Varietal name
20 Resolution OIV-ECO 676-2024 – Update of the OIV International Standard for Labelling of Wines – e-label, nutrient declaration, information about ingredients.
