CERTIFICATES OR ORIGIN AND IDENTITY AND
CERTIFICATES OF AUTHENTICITY OF VINTAGE DATES
Importers, and others concerned:
Purpose. The purpose of this circular is to inform importers of wine of
the provisions of the Federal wine labeling regulations regarding certificates
of origin and identity and certificates of authenticity of vintage dates.
Background. Regulations 4, Relating to Labeling and Advertising of Wine,
(27 CFR Part 4) has been amended by Treasury Decision 6319 to authorize the
Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division, effective January 2, 1959:
1. To require in the case of imported bottled wine bearing a vintage date,
a certificate identical with that required in the case of imported vintage
wine bottled in the United States, if the issuance of such a certificate
with respect to such wine has been authorized by the foreign government
concerned.
The regulations now provide, with respect to imported wines bottled in
this country, that the year of vintage may be stated only if the bottler
possesses a certificate issued by a duly authorized official of the
country of origin of such wine identifying the original container as
containing vintage wine as defined in Article I (h) of the regulations,
and certifying:
(a) That the laws of the country of origin regulate the appearance
of vintage dates upon labels of wine produced for home
consumption.
(b) That the wine in question has been produced in conformity
with such laws.
(c) That the wine would be entitled, under such laws, to bear the
vintage date if sold in such country.
2. To require, in the case of any imported wine, a certificate issued by
a duly authorized official of the foreign government concerned, (if the
issuance of such certificate with respect to such wine has been
authorized by the foreign government) certifying as to the identity of
the wine and that the wine has been produced in compliance with the
laws of that foreign government regulating the production of wine for
home consumption.
Conclusion. Although the Director will be authorized on the effective
date of amendment to require certificates of origin and identity and certificates
of authenticity of vintage dates, such certificates will not be demanded until
such time as the Director has definitely established that the laws of the foreign
governments concerned authorize the issuance of such certificates. When it
has been determined that the countries have laws which authorize the issuance
of certificates and certificates are actually being issued pursuant to such laws,
importers of wines from such countries will be advised through official
directives that on and after a specified date certificates will be required to
effect release from Customs Custody of such imported wines.
Inquiries. Correspondence in regard to this industry circular should
refer to its number and be addressed to the Director, Alcohol and Tobacco
Tax (O:AT:BT), Washington 25, D. C.
Dwight E. Avis
Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division
IRSD. C. 44724
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