Russia: some imported wines may become illegal as new regulations come into force

Russian authorities have reportedly decided not to extend beyond 01 January 2022 a moratorium on amendments signed into law by President Vladimir Putin on 02 July 2021.

The amendments introduced a new classification of wine products in the regulations and changed regulations in the case of geographic designations, which will require alterations in the names on the back label and the adoption of new declarations of conformity.

The status of products that were imported and produced according to the old classification and declarations has not yet been determined, but those products could be recognized as counterfeit and withdrawn from the market, leading to a shortage of legal wine, financial loss for the sector, and growth in the illicit market.