ESTUDIO DE MERCADO VINO ESPUMOS

ESTUDIO DE MERCADO VINO ESPUMOS – ALEMANIA
ProChile Berlín, Marzo 2009
PRODUCTO: VINO ESPUMOSO
CÓDIGO SISTEMA ARMONIZADO CHILENO SACH
22041000 – vino espumoso
DESCRIPCIÓN DEL PRODUCTO
22
2204
2204
2204
2204
2204
2204
2204
2204
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
11
11
19
91
91
99
Bebidas, líquidas alcohólicos y vinagre
Vino de uvas frescas, incluso encabezado; mosto de uva,
excepto el de la partida 2009
Vino espumoso
De grado alcohólico adquirido superior o igual a 8,5 % vol.
Champán
Los demás
Los demás
Asti spumante
Los demás
CÓDIGO SISTEMA ARMONIZADO LOCAL
2204 10 - Vino espumoso
SITUACIÓN ARANCELARIA Y PARA-ARANCELARIA
ARANCEL GENERAL
Año 2009
Vino espumoso: 32 EUR/hl (Derecho terceros países)
ARANCEL PREFERENCIAL PRODUCTO CHILENO
Según el Acuerdo de Asociación entre Chile y la Unión Europea, Chile puede
exportar vino espumoso libre de aranceles. Número de Reglamento: 0979/02;
Fecha de inicio: 01/02/2003
Año 2009
Vino espumoso: 0 EUR/hl
OTROS PAÍSES CON VENTAJAS ARANCELARIAS
Según el reglamento 2793/99 (fecha de inicio 01/01/2000) entre Sudáfrica y
la Comunidad Europea se puede importar vino espumoso libre de impuestos
hasta la cantidad de 450 000 litros (tasa de incremento anual = 5% del
volumen del año de referencia) y para lo demás 5,40 €/hl (reglamento
0753/99).
Según el reglamento 2597/01 (fecha de inicio 01/01/2002) entre la República
de Croacia, Antigua República Yugoslava de Macedonia y República de
Eslovenia y la Comunidad Europea se puede importar vino espumoso libre de
impuestos (con excepción de champán y Asti Spumante) hasta las siguientes
cantidades:
- República de Croacia: 30.000 hl 
- Antigua República Yugoslava de Macedonia: 15.000 hl 
- República de Eslovenia: 16.000 hl 

A partir del 1 de enero de 2003, este volumen contingentario se incrementará
anualmente en 4 800 hl, siempre que el año anterior se haya utilizado como mínimo el
80 % de la cantidad disponible. Este incremento anual se aplicará hasta que la suma
de los contingentes arancelarios con los números de orden 09.1588 y 09.1549 alcance
la cantidad máxima de 72 000 hl.
Las importaciones de los países dentro de la Unión Europea están libres de
derechos de aduana.
OTROS IMPUESTOS
Impuesto de internación: 19%
Ese impuesto corresponde en su valor al impuesto sobre el valor agregado de
Alemania
Impuesto sobre el consumo en Alemania (“Schaumweinsteuer”):
Impuesto para vinos y otras bebidas espirituosas fermentadas
Vinos y otras bebidas espirituosas fermentadas de un grado alcohólico
adquirido superior a 1,2% vol. y bajo a 22% vol. tienen los siguientes
impuestos:
 51 EUR/hl si el grado alcohólico no supere los 6% vol.
 136 EUR/hl para los otros vinos y bebidas espirituosas fermentadas.
(corresponde a 1,02 EUR/botella de 0,75l)
REQUISITOS Y BARRERAS DE INGRESO
Antes de ingresar en el mercado alemán hay que cumplir con requisitos
administrativos. En los siguientes párrafos se presentan estas informaciones.
REQUISITOS DE ADUANA
Requisitos generales para todos los productos:
-
La factura comercial
Documento de transporte
Lista de carga
Declaración del valor en la aduana
Documento Único Administrativo (DUA)
Requisitos específicos para vino espumoso:
Para la declaración de Aduana se deben presentar los siguientes documentos:
-
El documento VI1
Bajar el documento:
http://exporthelp.europa.eu/update/requirements/ehir_eu09_01v001/eu/auxi/eu_spwine_v1form.pdf
-
Un certificado de una persona profesional del país de origen y un
análisis de un laboratorio oficialmente reconocido
Todos los productos orgánicos colocados en el mercado de la UE tiene que
cumplir con la regulación (EEC) No 2092/91 (OJ L-198 22/07/1991).
Alimentos de origen no-animal tienen que cumplir con las normas del
control sanitario.
 Para información más detallada ver el anexo (en inglés)
PRESENTACIÓN
Vinos espumosos y vinos carburados con CO2 deben presentarse en
botellas de vidrio que se cierran con:
-
-
un tapón de forma hongo, hecho de corcho y otro material
permitido de entrar en contacto con alimentos, fijado con una
construcción, cubierto, si es necesario de una hojita metálica
y revestido completo con folio, cubriendo el tapón y el cuello
de la botella
otro tapón adecuado en casos de botellas con un volumen
igual o más pequeño a 0,2 litros
ETIQUETADO
Las siguientes normas para el etiquetado de vino espumoso están establecidas
por ley de la Unión Europea.
La información en el etiquetado debe estar en una o más lenguas oficiales de la
UE. Las letras deben tener un tamaño mínimo de 3 mm y la información debe
estar situada en lugar claramente visible.
Informaciones obligatorias
-
-
La designación de venta junto con una referencia del país de
origen
 “Vino espumoso”
 “Vino espumoso de calidad” o “Sekt”(donde las
condiciones de producción de este vino están
reconocidos para un vino espumoso de calidad - Annex
VIII para regalamiento (EC) No. 753/2002)
 “Vino carburado con CO2”, añadido, si es necesario de
las palabras “ganado carburando CO2”
el volumen en litros, centilitros o mililitros
el grado alcohólico debe especificarse en % vol.
el tipo de producto, determinado por el contenido de azúcar
(Seco, semi seco, dulce, …)
el nombre y la locación del productor e importador
declaración de los contenidos alérgicos, usando la expresión
“contiene sulfito” o “contiene sulfito dióxido”
Informaciones voluntarias:
-
el nombre de la región geográfica
el nombre de la variedad de uvas
la expresión “fermentado en botellas”, “fermentado con el
método tradicional” y otras expresiones resultado de las
traducciones
la referencia a un método de producción indicando una
referencia geográfica
el año de cosecha
una referencia a calidad superior
una referencia a un premio de un gremio oficial
ESTADÍSTICAS - IMPORTACIONES (CIF)
IMPORTACIONES VINO ESPUMOSO (2204 10)
Año 2007
Monto
Principales Países (Miles
EUR)
de origen
Francia
España
Italia
Ucrania
Austria
CHILE (Posición 27)
TOTAL
IMPORTADO
% de
participación
en el mercado
228
259,73
77 566,18
57 466,44
2 786,22
1 233,03
5,84
366
359,92
62,30
21,17
15,69
0,76
0,34
0,002
100,00
Año 2006
Monto
% de
Principales Países (Miles
participación
EUR)
en el mercado
de origen
Francia
220 456,89
55,23
España
112 174,77
28,10
Italia
63 345,73
15,87
Ucrania
2 728,16
0,68
Austria
1 514,48
0,38
CHILE (Posición 20)
14,95
0,004
TOTAL
100,00
IMPORTADO
399163,69
Año 2005
Principales Países Monto
de origen
(Miles EUR)
Francia
170 237,22
España
103 257,55
Italia
48 596,35
Ucrania
3 075,74
Países Bajos
1 151,74
CHILE (Posición 19)
13,84
TOTAL
IMPORTADO
325 080,09
% de
participación
en el
mercado
52,37
31,76
14,95
0,95
0,35
0,004
100,00
IMPORTACIONES VINO ESPUMOSO 2204 10 19 (Los demás (aparte de
champán) de grado alcohólico adquirido superior o igual a 8,5 % vol.)
Año 2007
Monto
% de
Principales Países (Miles
participación
EUR)
en el mercado
de origen
España
77 431,08
54,75
Italia
33 438,51
23,65
Francia
28 595,88
20,22
Ucrania
2 786,22
1,97
Austria
1 069,93
0,76
CHILE (Posición 27)
5,84
0,004
TOTAL
100,00
IMPORTADO
141415,13
Año 2006
Monto
% de
participación
Principales Países (Miles
de origen
EUR)
en el mercado
España
110 904,7
63,24
Italia
35 956,8
20,50
Francia
26 797,5
15,28
Ucrania
2 728,16
1,56
Austria
1 101,68
0,63
CHILE (Posición 19)
14,95
0,009
TOTAL
IMPORTADO
100,00
175373,62
Año 2005
Monto
% de
participación
Principales Países (Miles
de origen
EUR)
en el mercado
España
103 139,02
67,73
Italia
25 091,58
16,48
Francia
22 001,95
14,45
Ucrania
3 075,74
2,02
Austria
825,71
0,54
CHILE (Posición 18)
13,84
0,009
TOTAL
IMPORTADO
100,00
152284,74
Fuente: Eurostat Comext
POTENCIAL DEL PRODUCTO.
El mercado de vino espumoso es un mercado muy importante y con una larga
tradición en Alemania: Con un consumo de aprox. 4 litros de persona por año, los
alemanes son los que consumen más vino espumoso en el mundo. El consumo
total en Alemania en el año 2007 fue 3,1 Millones hl que corresponde a aprox. 414
millones de botellas.
En relación con la producción mundial de dos mil millones botellas significa que los
alemanes consumen casi un cuarto de la producción mundial de vino espumoso.
El año de mayor consumo de vino espumoso en Alemania fue el año 1994. Luego
bajó el consumo durante algunos años en un 25% al nivel actual que está más o
menos estable desde 2002.
La producción de vino espumoso en Alemania está muy desarrollada y es de alta
calidad. Más de tres cuartos del consumo en Alemania provienen del propio
mercado. El resto, aprox. el 20% del consumo de vino espumoso, proviene de
importaciones de otros países (ver cuadros en 3.). En 2007 se importaron 582
miles de hl (77,5 millones de botellas) a Alemania.
El mercado de vino espumoso en Alemania es altamente competitivo. Aparte de la
propia producción, que es muy fuerte, entran al mercado productos muy famosos
de otros países: Entre otros el champán de Francia y el cava de España.
Venta de vino espumoso en Alemania según los segmentos
(Enero-Septiembre 2008)
Vino espumoso
Asti Spumante
Prosecco Spumante
Champán
93,5%
4,4%
1,3%
0,8%
Las marcas que más se venden
Participación en el mercado alemán (Enero-Septiembre 2008)
Rotkäppchen
Freixenet
Faber
MM Extra
Söhnlein
Mumm
Jules Mumm
Cinzano
Light Live
Kupferberg
26,8%
9,3%
5,9%
5,2%
5,0%
3,7%
2,7%
1,7%
1,6%
1,5%
PRECIOS DE REFERENCIA RETAIL (€)
Supermercado de descuentos:
Barato:
2,29 – 3,99€
Intermedio: 4,99 – 5,29€
Alto:
-Prosecco:
1,79 – 4,49€
Champán:
13,99€
Supermercado:
Barato:
2,99 – 3,99€
Intermedio: 5,49 – 5,99€
Alto:
8,49€
Prosecco:
1,99 – 4,49€
Champán:
13,99€
Tienda especial:
Barato:
a partir de 5,90€
Intermedio: 10,90€ - 12,90€
Alto:
21,50€
Prosecco:
a partir de 5,30€
Champán:
a partir de 23,00€
Una herramienta muy importante en el mercado de vinos espumosos son los
precios de acción (vs. el precio de estantería/precio “normal”). Normalmente se
usan en relación con eventos en lo cuales se consume vino espumoso,
especialmente para la Navidad y Agno Nuevo.
Algunas marcas se venden -en más de la mitad de los casos- por el precio de
acción.
ESTRATEGIAS Y
COMPETENCIA
CAMPAÑAS
DE
PROMOCIÓN
UTILIZADAS
POR
LA
 Ver imágenes en el anexo
Las campañas de promoción para vino espumoso hacen en gran parte publicidad
con la imagen de gente joven y atractiva.
Muestran a las personas (y la botella/vaso) en posiciones eróticas o en momentos
en los cuales toman vino espumoso, que son por un lado fiestas y reuniones con
amigos, y por otro lado momentos especiales y románticos. Vino espumoso es una
bebida para brindar en fiestas, cumpleaños, bodas, por pruebas aprobadas y títulos
obtenidos, y especialmente en la Navidad y Año Nuevo.
Otro tipo de campaña es subrayar la elegancia y la exclusividad del vino espumoso
mencionando la larga tradición y la alta calidad de la bebida.
Se juega también con la palabra del burbujeo del vino espumoso, describiendo
tomar vino espumoso como una experiencia burbujeante.
CANALES DE COMERCIALIZACIÓN Y DISTRIBUCIÓN
Venta de vino espumoso según los puntos de compra (Enero-Septiembre 2008)
Hipermercados a partir de 800 m²
Supermercados de descuento
Supermercados tradicionales hasta 799m²
48,6%
40,3%
11,1%
CARACTERÍSTICAS
MAYORISTA
DEL
DE
PRESENTACIÓN
PRODUCTO
RETAIL
Y
 Ver imágenes en el anexo
El diseño de las botellas es muy clásico. Las formas de las botellas son casi iguales
y en el etiquetado solamente aparecen palabras, en parte en letras antiguas. Casi
no hay imágenes y fotos.
La intención es que el producto aparezca caro (aunque no lo es siempre) y
exclusivamente para momentos especiales. Se subraya una cierta tradición de la
marca y la pasión para la elaboración de vino desde hace muchos años.
El vino espumoso se coloca en las estanterías de los supermercados clasificado por
el precio (las marcas más baratas abajo) y por las marcas (marcas famosas se
colocan el lugares bien visibles, las distintas variedades de las marcas están
colocadas juntas).
Marcas elegidas con frecuencia se colocan en lugares especiales, por ejemplo
estanterías propias en el pasillo. Estas acciones van en conjunto con una actividad
de promoción y un precio de acción. Muchas veces estas acciones se organizan
para una fecha o un evento especial.
SUGERENCIAS Y RECOMENDACIONES DEL DIRECTOR COMERCIAL SOBRE
LA ESTRATEGIA A SEGUIR PARA LA PENETRACIÓN O COLOCACIÓN DEL
PRODUCTO CHILENO
Dado que el mercado de vino espumoso en Alemania es altamente competitivo y
está dominado por algunas marcas como Rotkäpchen y Freixenet, que tienen una
gran participación en el mercado, no resulta fácil para productos de Chile entrar a
este mercado sin una acción promocional. Además hay que destacar que la
fidelidad de los clientes a las marcas es muy alta.
Por su envergadura, el vino espumoso es un mercado altamente interesante, para
Chile, dado que ya tiene una fuerte presencia en el mercado del vino. Sin embargo,
Chile todavía carece de presencia en el mercado de vinos espumosos. Para ganar
presencia y entrar al mercado alemán, sería altamente recomendable usar la
notoriedad de los vinos chilenos y realizar una campaña promocional específica
para llamar la atención de importadores y consumidores finales.
Para negocios con las grandes cadenas de supermercados, la viña tiene que ser
capaz de producir y exportar grandes volúmenes, y de ofrecer el vino espumoso a
un precio relativamente barato.
Otra alternativa es la exportación de vinos espumosos del segmento de precios
medio y alto. Para este propósito es recomendable optar por la vía de los
importadores especializados y tiendas especializados en vino.
En todo caso es altamente recomendable que las viñas con interés en el mercado
alemán, participen en las ferias para demostrar sus calidades y estar presentes en
los eventos donde se reúnen los importadores y comerciantes de vino más
importantes. La feria ProWein en Dusseldorf es la feria más importante en este
sentido. Cada año ProChile en conjunto con Wines of Chile organiza la participación
chilena en esta Feria, la presencia de las viñas chilenas que exportan a Alemania
en la ProWein es indispensable para el desarrollo del negocio, ya que para los
importadores y comerciantes alemanes, es muy importante conocer a los
representantes chilenos de las viñas personalmente, y mantener el contacto
personal con ellos.
FERIAS Y EVENTOS LOCALES A REALIZARSE EN EL MERCADO EN RELACIÓN
A LOS PRODUCTOS
ProWein
Feria internacional de vinos y licores para profesionales.
Lugar:
Feria de Düsseldorf
Turno:
cada año
Fechas:
29.03.2009 - 31.03.2009
21.03.2010 - 23.03.2010
Con la participaron de 3.160 expositores de 45 países en 2008 es la feria
más importantes de este sector en Alemania.
Anfitrión:
Messe Düsseldorf GmbH
Messeplatz
40474 Düsseldorf
Responsables del projecto:
Fon: 0211-4560-900
Fax: 0211-4560-668
info@messe-duesseldorf.de
www.prowein.de
Anuga
Feria internacional de alimentos; para profesionales
Lugar:
Turno:
Fechas:
Feria de Colonia
Cada dos años
10.10.2009 - 14.10.2009
En 2007 participaron 6.323 expositores de 95 países.
Anfitrión:
Koelnmesse GmbH
Messeplatz 1
50679 Köln
Responsables del projecto:
Fon: 0221-821-2214
Fax: 0221-821-3410
anuga@koelnmesse.de
www.anuga.com
www.anuga.de
Forum Vini
Feria internacional de vinos y licores para personas privadas (especialmente)
y profesionales
Degustaciones, órdenes, venta directa, eventos
Lugar:
M,O,C, Veranstaltungscenter
Lilienthalallee 40
80939 München (Freimann)
Turno:
cada año
Fechas:
13.11.2009 – 15.11.2009
Datos de 2008: 9.500 visitantes y 304 exhibidores de 11 países
(mayoramente de Alemania y Austria)
Anfitrión:
ALBRECHT Gesellschaft für Fachausstellungen und Kongresse
Oettingenstraße 25
80538 München
Tel: +49 - (0)89 - 27 29 48 20
Fax: +49 - (0)89 - 27 29 48 22
Email: info@forum-vini.de
Web: www.albrechtexpo.de
“Muestra y Cata de vinos” de ProChile
ProChile organiza una muestra y cata de vinos cada año en diferentes ciudades de
Alemania.
En 2008 la degustación de vinos tuvo lugar en la Casa del Arte “Lempertz” en
Colonia. Nueve viñas chilenas y más de 100 vinos diferentes de Chile fueron
presentados a los expertos del vino de la región de Colonia.
La presentación de los vinos fue acompañada de un menú chileno.
OTRA INFORMACIÓN RELEVANTE
Estadísticas
Verband Deutscher Sektkellereien – Asociación Alemana de bodegas de
vinos espumosos
www.deutscher-sektverband.de
Deutscher Weinbauverband - Asociación Alemana de Viticultores
www.dwv-online.de
German Wine Institute - Instituto Alemán de Vinos
www.germanwines.de
Portales de Vino
www.deutscherwein.de
www.wein-praesente-markt.de
www.wein-plus.de
www.weinundglas.com
Revistas Especializadas
Wein und Markt
www.wein-und-markt.de
Weinwelt
www.wein-marktplatz.de
Getränke Zeitung
www.getraenke-zeitung.de
Sommelier
www.sommelier-magazin.de
Weinwirtschaft
www.weinwirtschaft.de
Der deutsche Weinbau
www.der-deutsche-weinbau.de
Genuss Magazin Wein.pur
http://www.genuss-magazin.eu/wein/
Páginas Web de las marcas más vendidas en Alemania
http://www.rotkaeppchen.de
http://www.mumm-sekt.de
http://www.freixenet.de
http://mm-sekt.de
http://www.henkell.de
http://www.soehnlein.de
Links
www.winzer.de
www.dlg.org
www.verbraucherministerium.de
www.deutsche-weinstrasse.de
www.msr-wein.de
www.zum-wohl-die-pfalz.de
www.rheinhessenwein.de
www.vdw-weinexport.de
www.weinland-nahe.de
www.weinland-franken.de
www.natuerlich-saale-unstrut.de
www.badischer-weinbauverband.de
www.oenologie.de
www.raiffeisen.de
www.mwvlw.rlp.de
www.oiv.int
www.weinbauverband-sachsen.de
www.wwg.de
www.rheingau.de
www.weinschule.com
www.deutscheweinakademie.de
www.fa-gm.de
www.gbz-koblenz.de
ANEXO
Para 6. Campañas de promoción usados por la competencia
Para 8. Presentación y diseño de las botellas y etiquetados
Requisitos específicos para vino espumoso
Certificate and analysis report for wine, grape juice and must
Imports of wine, grape must and grape juice must be accompanied by the V
I 1 Document, which consists of a certificate signed by a competent body of
the country of origin and an analysis report that shall be done by an official
laboratory recognised by the third country.
The certificate provides for compliance with the conditions applying in the
country of origin and, when the product is intended for direct human
consumption, that it has not been subjected to oenological practices which
are not permitted within the EU.
The analysis report must include the following information:



The total dry extract, total acidity, volatile acid content, citric acid
content, total sulphur dioxide content and the presence of varieties
obtained from interspecific crossings
The density of grape must and grape juice
The total and actual alcoholic strenght by volume of wines and grape
must in fermentation
In case of wine products not intended for direct human consumption, the
analysis report does not need to be completed.
The certificate and the analysis report are not required for products in
labelled containers of not more than 5 litres fitted with a non-reusable
closure where the total consignment does not exceed 100 litres.
The V I 1 document must be drawn up by the designated bodies in the
country of origin according to the rules set out in Regulation (EC) No.
555/2008 (OJ L-170 30/06/2008) and shall be submitted to EU customs
authorities for import clearance.
Legislation


Council Regulation (EC) No 479/2008 of 29/04/2008 on the common
organisation of the market in wine, amending Regulations (EC) No
1493/1999, (EC) No 1782/2003, (EC) No 1290/2005, (EC) No
3/2008 and repealing Regulations (EEC) No 2392/86 and (EC) No
1493/1999 (OJ L-148 06/06/2008)
Commission Regulation (EC) No 555/2008 of 27/06/2008 laying
down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No
479/2008 on the common organisation of the market in wine as
regards support programmes, trade with third countries, production
potential and on controls in the wine sector (OJ L-170 30/06/2008)
Other information sources
Further information on European Union's wine sector may be found under
Agriculture and Rural Development Directorate General website:
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/markets/wine/index_en.htm
Products from organic production
The placing on the European Union (EU) market of livestock, unprocessed
crop and animal products as well as other processed agricultural products
intended for human consumption or animal feed bearing a reference to
organic production methods must comply with the rules laid down by
Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (OJ L-198 22/07/1991) which aims at
the promotion of quality products and the integration of environmental
conservation into agriculture.
Note: A new EU regulatory framework for products from organic production
was adopted by Regulation (EC) nº 834/2007 (OJ L-189 20/07/2007). The
new scheme will enter in force on 1 January 2009 repealing Regulation
2092/91.
These rules established by Regulation 2092/91 cover mainly the following
aspects:



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Methods for organic agricultural production ofcrops and livestock,
including beekeeping (set out in Annex I Regulation 2092/91)
Processing organic agricultural products into foodstuffs (Annex IV).
A list of ingredients authorisations is available in the Data base of
the Organic Farming Information System (OFIS) official
website:
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/qual/organic/data/index_en.htm
Labelling and the EU organic farming logo. The logo and indications
referring to organic production methods may be used only for certain
products which meet all the conditions of the Regulation.
Inspection measures and specific scheme to be applied for this type
of products by the appointed authorities in the Member States.
These products can only be imported into the EU if they originate in a third
country that has been authorised if the products have been controlled by a
recognised inspection authority, are accompanied by the certificates of
inspection and have passed the mandatory verification of the consignment
and the certificate by the relevant Member States' authorities:
Imports from third country
Organic products from third countries may only be placed on EU market
labelled as products with indications referring to organic production, if they
have been produced in accordance with production rules and subject to
inspection arrangements that are in compliance with, or equivalent to,
Community legislation.
Imports into the EU are allowed according to the following schemes
established by Council Regulation 1991/2006 (OJ L-27 02/02/2007)
(amending Regulation 2092/91):
Country Authorisation
In order to ascertain that goods have been obtained according to production
rules equivalent to those laid down in the Community, the European
Commission makes a thorough investigation into the arrangements in the
country concerned, examining not only the requirements imposed on
production but also the measures applied to ensure effective control. Where
rules are found to be equivalent, the third country is included in the list of
authorised countries established by the Commission Regulation (EC) No
345/2008 (OJ L-108 18/04/2008).
Control by recognised inspection body or recognised inspection authority
The Commission is working on the compilation of a list of inspection bodies
and inspection authorities competent to carry out inspections in countries
not included in the list of recognised third countries. The function of these
bodies is to guarantee that products have been produced in accordance with
production rules that are in compliance with, or equivalent to, Community
legislation. Imports of organic products can only take place if they have
been controlled by these recognised authorities.
Authorisations to importers on a case by case basis
From the first of January of 2007 until 12 months after the publication of the
first list of inspection bodies and inspection authorities a parallel system has
been implemented, enabling the Member States to issue import
authorisations for consignments from third countries not included in the
above mentioned lists. Importers must prove that products were obtained
according to production rules equivalent to those laid down in Community
legislation and were subject to inspection measures. The Member State
notifies the European Commission and the other Member States of products
for which it has issued an authorisation.
A list of these import authorisations can be found in the Data base of
the Organic Farming Information System (OFIS) official website:
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/qual/organic/data/index_en.htm
Certificate of inspection
Imported consignments must be covered by an inspection certificate issued
by the competent authority or body in the third country, attesting that the
consignment has been produced in accordance with the production and
inspection rules recognised as equivalent.
The certificate which will be drawn up in accordance with the procedure and
the model laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 605/2008 (OJ L-166
27/06/2008) must accompany the goods, in the original copy, to the
premises of the first consignee; thereafter the importer must keep the
certificate at the disposal of the inspection body and/or inspection authority
for not less than two years.
Verification of the consignment
The release for free circulation into the EU of a consignment of organic
products is conditioned by the submission of the original certificate of
inspection to the relevant Member State's authority, the verification of the
consignment by the relevant Member State's authority and the endorsement
of the certificate of inspection.
Legislation


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
Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 of 24 June 1991 on organic
production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto
on agricultural products and foodstuffs (OJ L-198 22/07/1991)
Commission Regulation (EEC) No 207/93 of 29 January 1993 defining
the content of Annex VI to Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic
production of agricultural products and indications referring thereto
on agricultural products and foodstuffs and laying down detailed
rules for implementing the provisions of Article 5 (4) thereto (OJ L25 02/02/1993)
Commission Regulation (EC) No 223/2003 of 5 February 2003 on
labelling requirements related to the organic production method for
feedingstuffs, compound feedingstuffs and feed materials and
amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (OJ L-31
06/02/2003)
Commission Regulation (EC) No 345/2008 of 14 January 1992 laying
down detailed rules for implementing the arrangements for imports
from third countries provided for in Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on
organic production of agricultural products and indications referring
thereto on agricultural products and foodstuffs (OJ L-108
18/04/2008)
Commission Regulation (EC) No 605/2008 of 20 June 2008 laying
down detailed rules for implementing the provisions concerning the
certificate of inspection for imports from third countries under Article
11 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 on organic production of
agricultural products and indications referring thereto on agricultural
products and foodstuffs (OJ L-166 27/06/2008)
List of bodies or public authorities in charge of inspection provided
for in article 15 of Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 (OJ C-35
17/02/2007)
Other information sources


“Guide to Community rules”, legislation and reports on organic
farming may be found under Directorate-General for Agriculture and
Rural Development website:
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/qual/organic/index_en.htm
The website of OFIS (Organic Farming Information System) contains
a summary of the information consisting of import authorisations,
ingredient authorisations and bodies or public authorities in charge of
inspections:
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/qual/organic/data/index_en.htm
Additional information for Germany
The importer or his representative must, at the latest by the time that the
certificate of inspection is submitted, inform the inspection body of each
consignment to be imported giving the name and address of the first
consignee as well as any details that the body may require.
The inspection body will verify that the inspection certificate, preferably
written in German, is compliant with the requirements derived from the
aforementioned EU legislation. Additionally, and if deemed necessary, the
actual products may be physically inspected in order to assure the required
level of compliance with these requirements.
The release for free circulation of products not complying with the
requirements is conditional on the removal of references to the organic
production method from the labelling, advertising and accompanying
documents.
Competent authority / competent bodies
Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz BMELV (Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection)
Abteilung 5 Ländlicher Raum, Pflanzliche Erzeugung, Forst- und
Holzwirtschaft (Department 5 Rural Areas, Plant Production, Forestry and
Wood Industry).
Unterabteilung 52 Strukturpolitik, Ländliche Entwicklung, Ökologischer
Landbau (Sub-department 52 Structural Policies, Rural Development,
Organic Farming)
P.O. Box 140270
DE-53107 Bonn
Tel: (+49) 1 888 5290 / 1 228 5290
Fax: (+49) 1 888 529 4262 / 1 228 529 4262
E-mail: poststelle@bmelv.bund.de
Website: http://www.bmelv.de
Inspection bodies
List of designated public authorities and/or approved private bodies in
charge of inspection of products from organic production
Other information sources
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Biologische Bundesanstalt für Land- und Forstwirtschaft - BBA
(Federal Biological Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry):
http://www.bba.de
Förderpreis ökologischer Landbau (Promotional award for organic
farming): www.foerderpreisoekologischerlandbau.de
Ökologischer Landbau (Organic farming): www.oekolandbau.de
Bundesprogramm ökologischer Landbau (Federal Organic Farming
Scheme): www.bundesprogramm-oekolandbau.de

Institut für ökologischen Landbau (Institute of Organic Farming at
the Federal Agricultural Research Centre): www.oel.fal.de
Health control of foodstuffs of non-animal origin
Imports of foodstuffs of non-animal origin into the European Union (EU)
must comply with general conditions and specific provisions designed to
prevent risk to public health and protect consumers' interests.
Hence, the general rules applicable to these products are as follows:
1. General principles and requirements of Food Law established in
Regulation (CE) No. 178/2002 (OJ L-31 01/02/2002);
2. General foodstuffs hygiene rules according to Regulation (EC) No.
852/2004 (OJ L-226 25/06/2004);
3. General conditions concerning contaminants in food;
4. Special provisions on Genetically Modified (GM) food and Novel food
of Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003 (OJ L-268 18/10/2003) and
Regulation (EC) No.258/97 (OJ L-43 14/02/1997);
5. General conditions of preparation of foodstuffs;
6. Official control of foodstuffs;
When a hygiene problem likely to pose a serious risk to human health arises
or spreads in the territory of a third country, the European authorities may
suspend imports from all or part of the third country concerned or take
interim protective measures regarding the foodstuffs concerned, depending
on the seriousness of the situation.
EU legislation establishing protective measures
1. General principles and requirements of Food Law
Basic food law requirements applying to all food imported into the European
Union (EU) are laid down in Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 (OJ L-31
01/02/2002), which among other topics covers.



Compliance or equivalence: Imported food must comply with the
relevant requirements of food law or conditions recognised by the EU
to be at least equivalent thereto.
Traceability: The Regulation defines traceability as the ability to trace
and follow food and ingredients through all stages of production,
processing and distribution it also contains general provisions for
traceability which cover all food business operators, without
prejudice to existing legislation on specific sectors such as beef, fish,
Genetically Modified (GM) food, etc. Importers are similarly affected
as they will be required to identify from whom the product was
exported in the country of origin. Unless specific provisions for
further traceability exist, the requirement for traceability is limited to
ensuring that businesses are at least able to identify the immediate
supplier of the product in question and the immediate subsequent
recipient, with the exemption of retailers to final consumers (one
step back-one step forward).
Responsibilities of food importers: Food business operators at all
stages of production, processing and distribution within the
businesses under their control shall ensure that foods satisfy the
requirements of food law which are relevant to their activities and
shall verify that such requirements are met. If a food business
operator has reason to believe that imported food is not in
compliance with the food safety requirements, it shall immediately
initiate procedures to withdraw the food in question and inform the
competent authorities thereof.
2. General foodstuffs hygiene rules
The relevant hygiene rules of food which need to be respected by food
business operators in third countries are contained in Regulation (EC) No.
852/2004 (OJ L-226 25/06/2004):
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General obligation on the operator to monitor the food safety of
products and processes under his responsibility;
General hygiene provisions for primary production and detailed
requirements for all stages of production, processing and distribution
of food;
Microbiological criteria for certain products which are established in
Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005 (OJ L-338 22/12/2005);
Procedures based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point
(HACCP) principles;
Approval and registration of establishments;
The following guidance documents may be found in the European
Commission’s Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General (DG
SANCO) website:



Key questions related to import requirements and the new rules on
food hygiene and official food controls:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/international/trade/interpretation_imports.
pdf
Guidance document on the implementation of certain provisions of
Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biosafety/hygienelegislation/guidance
_doc_852-2004_en.pdf
Guidance document on the implementation of procedures based on
the HACCP principles, and on the facilitation of the implementation of
the HACCP principles in certain food businesses:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biosafety/hygienelegislation/guidance
_doc_haccp_en.pdf
3. General conditions concerning contaminants in food
Contaminant substances may be present in food as a result of the various
stages of its production and marketing or due to environmental pollution.
Since they represent a real risk for food safety, the EU has taken measures
to minimise the risk by setting maximum levels for certain contaminants in
foodstuffs.
a) Maximum levels of certain contaminants in foodstuffs
Certain foodstuffs (i.e. fruit, vegetables, nuts, cereals, fruit juices, etc…)
must not, when placed on the market, contain higher contaminant levels
than those specified in Regulation (EC) 1881/2006 (OJ L-364 20/12/2006).
This Regulation covers four different categories of contaminants: nitrates,
aflatoxins, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) and 3monochloropropane-1,2diol (3-MCPD), etc.
The maximum contaminant levels relate to the edible part of the foodstuffs
but apply also to the ingredients used for the production of compound
foodstuffs.
b) Maximum levels of pesticide residues in and on food
Member States may restrict the putting on the market within their territories
of certain products containing pesticide residues if the quantity of these
residues exceeds the maximum levels permitted presenting an unacceptable
risk to humans. These limits depend on the toxicity of the substance in
question.
Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 (OJ L-70 16/03/2005) sets up harmonised
maximum levels of pesticide residues for agricultural products or parts
thereof intended for food to be used as fresh, processed and/or composite
food in so far as they may contain pesticide residues.
c) Maximum levels of radioactive contamination of foodstuffs
Regulations (EC) 3954/1987 (OJ L-371 30/12/1987) and 944/1989 (OJ L101 13/04/1989) lay down the maximum permitted levels of radioactive
contamination of foodstuffs (either immediately or after processing) which
may be placed on the market following a nuclear accident or any other case
of radiological emergency.
There is a list of minor foodstuffs (i.e. those which are consumed least) for
which the maximum permitted levels are considerably higher (ten times
higher)
d) Materials intended to come into contact with foodstuffs
Materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs must be
manufactured so that they do not transfer their constituents to food in
quantities which could endanger human health, change the composition of
the food in an unacceptable way or deteriorate the taste and odour of
foodstuffs.
The Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 (OJ L-338 13/11/2004) establishes a
list of groups of materials and articles (such us plastics, ceramics, rubbers,
paper, glass, etc.) which may be covered by specific measures that include
a list of the authorised substances, special conditions of use, purity
standards, etc. Specific measures exist for ceramics, regenerated cellulose
and plastics.
4. Special provisions on Genetically Modified (GM) food and Novel food
In order to ensure the highest level of protection of human health, EU
legislation provides for a single authorisation procedure for the placing on
the market of food containing, consisting of or derived from Genetically
Modified Organisms.
An application must be sent to the competent authority of a Member State
and then referred to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which
carries out a risk assessment.
On the basis of the opinion of EFSA, the Commission drafts a proposal for
granting or refusing the authorisation, which must be approved by the
Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health. The authorised
food and feed are entered in the Community Register of GM food and feed.
Novel foods (i.e. foods and food ingredients that have not been used for
human consumption to a significant degree within the EU before 15 May
1997) must also undergo a safety assessment before being placed on the
EU market.
Companies that want to place a novel food on the EU market must submit
their application to the competent body of a Member State for risk
assessment purposes. As a result of this assessment, an authorisation
decision may be taken. The authorisation decision defines the scope of the
authorisation, the conditions of use, the designation of the food or food
ingredient, its specification and the specific labelling requirements.
Novel foods or novel food ingredients considered by a national food
assessment body as substantially equivalent to existing foods or food
ingredients may follow a simplified procedure, only requiring notifications
from the company.
5. General conditions of preparation of foodstuffs
EU legislation lays down the rules relating to treatment of foodstuffs, food
ingredients and their conditions of use in order to protect the health of
consumers and guarantee the free circulation of foodstuffs in the European
Union market.
Moreover, specific provisions for groups of foods are laid down in specific
Directives. These include compositional requirements, hygiene
requirements, list of additives, purity criteria, specific labelling requirements
, etc
a) Authorised food additives and flavourings
The scope of the Directives covers food additives and flavourings used as
ingredients during the manufacture or preparation of food and which are
part of the finished product.
The only substances which may be used as food additives are those included
in the approved common lists and then only under the conditions of use
mentioned in those lists (e.g. colorants, sweeteners, preservatives,
emulsifiers, stabilisers, raising agents, etc…).
b) Preparation and treatments of certain foodstuffs
There are also rules in relation with the manufacture, marketing and
importation of foods and food ingredients that are subject to specific
treatments such as Council Directive 89/108/EEC (OJ L-40 11/02/1989) on
quick-freezing or Directive 1999/2/EC (OJ L-66 13/03/1999) on ionising
radiation.
c) Specific provisions for certain groups of products and for foodstuffs for
particular nutritional purposes
Specific provisions are applied to certain groups of products (such as cocoa,
sugar, etc.) and to foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses (baby
foods, dietary foods, gluten-free foods...). These may include specific
requirements on composition, hygiene, labelling (e.g. declaration of the
energy value, carbohydrate, protein and fat content), list of additives, purity
criteria, etc.
Summaries and lists of legislation Foodstuffs for particular nutritional
purposes may be found in Health and Consumer Protection Directorate
General (DG SANCO) website:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/labellingnutrition/nutritional/index_en.htm
6. Control of foodstuffs.
The competent authorities in Member States will carry out regular controls
on imported food of non-animal origin to ensure they comply with the EU
general health rules designed to protect health and interests of consumers.
The control may apply to import into the EU and/or to any other stage of the
food chain (manufacture, processing, storage, transport, distribution and
trade) and may include a systematic documentary check, a random identity
check and, as appropriate, a physical check.
Further information may be found in the Health and Consumer Protection
Directorate General (DG SANCO) website:
Key questions related to import requirements and the new rules on food
hygiene and official food controls:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/international/trade/interpretation_imports.pdf
Legislation
EU legislation on health control of foodstuffs of non-animal origin.
Other information sources
Guidance documents
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
Guidance on the implementation of articles 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19
and 20 of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 on General Food Law.
Conclusions of the Standing Committee on the food chain and animal
health:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/foodlaw/guidance/guidance_rev_7_en
.pdf
Key questions related to import requirements and the new rules on
food hygiene and official food controls:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/international/trade/interpretation_imports.
pdf
Guidance document on the implementation of certain provisions of
Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biosafety/hygienelegislation/guidance
_doc_852-2004_en.pdf
Guidance document on the implementation of procedures based on
the HACCP principles, and on the facilitation of the implementation of
the HACCP principles in certain food businesses:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/food/biosafety/hygienelegislation/gu
idance_doc_haccp_en.pdf
Questions and answers on Residues and Contaminants in foodstuffs:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/residues/fcr_qanda_en
.pdf
Introduction to EC Pesticides residues legislation:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/protection/resources/intro_en.pdf
Questions and answers on the regulation of GMOs in the EU:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biotechnology/gmfood/qanda_en.htm
A Practical Guide to EU legislation on Food Contact Materials gives
explanations and examples of legal terms which may be helpful for
the general reader:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/foodcontact/practical_
guide_en.pdf
Further useful information in European Commission's Health and Consumer
Protection Directorate General (DG SANCO) website
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General Food Law:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/foodlaw/index_en.htm
Microbiological Criteria:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biosafety/salmonella/microbio_en.htm
Food Contaminants:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/contaminants/index_e
n.htm
Pesticide Residues:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/plant/protection/pesticides/index_e
n.htm
Database on Pesticide Maximum residue levels:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/protection/pesticides/database_pestic
ide_en.htm
Genetically Modified (GM) food:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biotechnology/gmfood/index_en.htm
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Novel Food:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biotechnology/novelfood/index_en.ht
m
Food Additives:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/additives/index_en.ht
m
Food flavourings:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/flavouring/index_en.ht
m
Food irradiation:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/biosafety/irradiation/index_en.htm
Foodstuffs for particular nutritional purposes:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/labellingnutrition/nutritional/index_en.
htm
Food Contact Material:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/food/chemicalsafety/foodcontact/index_en.
htm
Additional information for Germany
Control Procedure
Consignments of foodstuffs of non-animal origin for which European
Commission has taken interim protective measures, are subject to a
mandatory control before release from Customs in order to ensure that they
comply with the special health conditions (health certificates, official
sampling and analysis,...) laid down by each specific Commission Decision.
Other foodstuffs of non-animal origin may be also subject to controls,
without prior warning, at the point of entry or at any other stage of the
chain (processing, storage, transport, distribution and trade).
Competent authorities / competent bodies
Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz BMELV (Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection)
Abteilung 4 Agrarmärkte, Planungsgrundlagen, Sozialordnung (Department
4 Agricultural Markets, Planning Basis, Social Rules).
Unterabteilung 41: Märkte für pflanzliche Erzeugnisse, allgemeine
Angelegenheiten der Agrarmärkte, Sozialordnung (Sub-department 41
Markets for Vegetable Products, General Matters on the Agricultural Market,
Social Rules)
Wilhelmstraße 54
DE-10117 Berlin
Tel: (+49) 30 18 529 3184
Fax: (+49) 30 18 529 3298
E-mail: ual41@bmelv.bund.de
Website: http://www.bmelv.de
Legislation



Gesetzbuch über Lebensmittel, Bedarfsgegenstände und Futtermittel
(LFGB) - BGBl 2005, 2618 (3007), 01/09/2005 (Food, Commodities
and Feed Code)
Verordnung über Lebensmittelkontrolleur (LkonV)- BGB1 I 2001,
2236, 17/08/2001 (Order on Food Inspection)
Verordnung zur Durchführung von Vorschriften des
gemeinschaftlichen Lebensmittelhygienerechts ((EULMRDV) BGBl I
2007, 1816 08/08/2007 (Regulation on the implementation of
provisions of the food hygiene law)
Other information sources
Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit - BVL (Federal
Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety): http://www.bvl.bund.de