UK Government launches consultation on protecting Scotch Whisky

Jeff Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, today launched a UK-wide consultation on regulations to enhance the protection of Scotch Whisky - a prestigious and world-renowned product.

Defra is consulting on draft legislation that will deliver, in UK law, strengthened definitions of Scotch Whisky, to help support action against counterfeiting and passing-off, as called for by the Scotch Whisky Association, with the aim of introducing secondary UK legislation in Spring 2008.

Jeff Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food and Farming said:

"I am very pleased that the UK Government has been able to work closely with the Scotch Whisky Association to produce draft regulations and launch a public consultation that will tighten UK legislation. This will help meet the industry's request to protect Scotch Whisky here and in global markets from counterfeit products and misleading practices. This consultation gives us the opportunity to ensure that the legislation we lay before Westminster Parliament provides the best protection to a product that has built up an international reputation for the highest quality whisky in the world."

The proposed legislation will make special provisions relating to Scotch Whisky and more tightly define the descriptions applied to it

- for example "single malt" or "blended grain". These provisions will also tightly define Scotch Whisky's geographical provenance - such as Highland or Islay - and ensure that if the product uses the name of a distillery then it must also come from that distillery.

The Secretary of State for Scotland Des Browne said:

"Not only is Scotch Whisky one of our most iconic products, it is also economically hugely significant with exports worth #2.5 billion each year. This is why the UK Government acted when approached by the industry. Once the proposed legislation is enacted, Scotch Whisky, and in particular, Single Malt Scotch whisky, will be defined by law in Scotland, the UK, the EU and nearly every export market around the globe.

"The industry was always clear- only UK legislation could deliver this and I am proud that the UK Government is meeting the industry's needs . We will always act wherever possible to help Scottish concerns and we have a long tradition of working with the industry in overseas markets through our network of embassies and assisting them in international negotiations over trade matters."

Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA),

said:

"SWA members will be delighted the industry's international significance and important contribution to the economy have been recognised with new standalone Scotch Whisky Regulations. The legislation will put in place a robust and comprehensive legal framework for Scotch Whisky, improving its protection from unfair practices globally, and ensuring consumers receive clear and consistent product information."