Italy begins phased rollout of new state seals for DOC and DOCG wines
Italy is gradually introducing redesigned official seals for DOC and DOCG wines, adding the Italian tricolor and a QR code for identification, traceability and product security. Older seals may remain in use until existing stocks are exhausted.
The US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has advised importers that Italy updated the official state seals applied to wines carrying the DOC and DOCG protected designations. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, while DOCG means Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita; both identify wines governed by rules concerning geographic origin and production.1
The redesigned seals were adopted through Italian ministerial decrees and feature the Italian tricolor together with a QR code intended to strengthen identification, traceability and security. Italy is introducing them progressively rather than replacing all previous seals at once.1
Older and newer seals will coexist during the transition
Producers may continue using their remaining stocks of the earlier seals until those supplies are depleted. As a result, DOC and DOCG bottles imported into the United States during the transition may legitimately display either the old seal or the updated design. TTB said the change should have no practical effect on US importers or consumers.1
No new US label approval solely because of the seal
The revised seal alone does not require an importer to obtain a new Certificate of Label Approval (COLA). Wines bearing the new Italian state seal may continue under their existing approval, provided that no other alteration to the label creates a requirement for a new filing.1
Importers nevertheless remain responsible for ensuring that the wines comply with all other applicable US labeling, import and regulatory requirements.1
Sources
Written by the Dionysus editors from the sources above.
