HMRC launches Scotch whisky consultation

Published: 15 October, 2012

HM Revenue & Customs is calling for Scotch whisky producers to respond to a new consultation designed to further protect them from inferior competitors.

The new "dram diplomas" are designed to ensure the "real thing" goes through the five specified production processes of fermentation, distillation, maturation, blending and bottling/labelling.

The consultation will include an initial two-year programme of visits to the 105 Scotch whisky distilleries by HMRC, and a similar number of other operators involved in the industry, assuring their production processes and verifying individual brands. This will be assured every two years after initial verification.

Chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander MP, said: "Scotch whisky is not just the national drink, it's a £4 billion international export success story that is hugely important to the whole of the UK. So it's right that the UK government goes the extra mile to protect it.

"These 'dram diplomas' will help keep Scotch Scottish. I hope Scotland's world-renowned whisky producers raise their glasses to this extra protection the UK government is rightly providing."

Scotch whisky is already protected under EU legislation, as a product of geographical indication (GI), which links products with their geographical origin through official verification.

HMRC has been designated as the UK verification authority for Scotch whisky consultation and the document has been developed in association with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), HM Treasury, and the principal industry representative, the Scotch Whisky Association.

HMRC's Graham Black, deputy director of large business services, said: "It's important that those involved in the production of Scotch whisky respond to this consultation exercise, so that we can put in place a verification process that is acceptable and workable for everyone."

The deadline for responses to the consultation is December 7, 2012. Copies of the consultation document, which explains the proposed verification scheme and how to respond, can be found on the HMRC website, hmrc.gov.uk.

It is anticipated that HMRC will start the initial verification visits in April 2013, and by March 2015 will make public a complete record of production facilities with approved production processes and, separately, a complete list of verified Scotch whisky brands.

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