£130m boost for UK wine lovers as government pledges to cut red tape on imports

The government has pledged to cut red tape for British wine importers.

Once implemented, the change would remove the requirement for VI-1 certificates on all imports of wine into Great Britain.

It is estimated that the move will save customers £130m a year, as well as boosting wine trade for UK retail and hospitality businesses.

Food and Drink Minister Victoria Prentis commented: “The British wine industry has increasingly delivered fantastic wines at great value from all around the world.

“Cutting this needless red tape will place our businesses in a stronger position internationally, as they continue to grow, while consumers can raise a glass to great wine from around the world.

“Great Britain is already a global hub in the international wine trade, supporting many jobs across the country. Ending the requirement for import certificates will strengthen this position and is a clear benefit of now having the freedom to determine our own rules.”

International Trade Minister Ranil Jayawardena added: “It’s fantastic that the British people will no longer have to pay for unnecessary bureaucracy when they buy a bottle of wine.

“Trade is key for economic growth and levelling up the country. Through our trade deals, we are making it easier for British consumers to access top quality products from around the world – including wine – and we are bringing down foreign trade barriers to open up even more opportunities for British businesses to succeed overseas.”

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