New certification rules for organic wine are now in effect in the United States, introducing significant changes for importers. Under the new regulations, importers wishing to sell organic wine in the US must obtain organic certification, even if the wine has already been produced and bottled with organic
certification in its country of origin, in compliance with USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) recognized labels.
These provisions are part of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) initiative, announced in January 2023. The primary goal is to protect organic businesses and consumers from fraud. Previously, only vineyards and wineries responsible for the production and bottling of wine were required to be certified organic.
Now, this requirement has been extended to importers. Without certification, importers will be prohibited from marketing wine as organic in the United States. Violations could result in penalties ranging from customs blocks and fines to cease-and-desist orders.
One major concern highlighted by the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is the potential impact these rules may have on small importers.
