EU wine e-label rules: what stays on the bottle and what can go behind the code
Since December 2023, wine sold in the EU lists its ingredients and nutrition. What must stay on the label, what may move to a QR code, and the rules for the page behind it.
The short version
Wine sold in the EU must declare its ingredients and nutrition. Two things stay on the bottle: the energy value and any allergens. The full list of ingredients and the nutrition table may go behind a QR code, on a page without marketing and without tracking.
Which wines it covers
The rules apply to wine produced from 8 December 2023. Wine produced before that date may be sold until stocks run out. They also cover dealcoholised and partly dealcoholised wine, and aromatised wine products such as vermouth.
What stays on the bottle
The energy value per 100 ml, in kJ and kcal. The symbol E may replace the word “energy”.
Allergens, such as sulphites, or egg and milk products used for fining. They follow the word “Contains” and stand out from the other text, for example in bold.
Everything that was already compulsory: the category, alcoholic strength, origin, bottler and so on.
What may go behind the code
The full nutrition declaration (energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt, per 100 ml) and the list of ingredients. You may also print them on the label instead; the code is an option, not an obligation.
Rules for the page behind the code
It may not show sales or marketing information. No shop, no story about the estate, no other wines.
It may not collect or track data about the person who scans.
The code needs the word “ingredients” next to it. According to the Commission’s questions and answers, an “i” symbol alone is not enough.
As on the physical label, the information must be in a language that shoppers in the country of sale easily understand.
How Backlabel handles this
The e-label page shows the label and nothing else: no advertising, no cookies, no trackers. Headings and nutrition terms appear in the shopper’s language, using the official EU terms, and so do the ingredients you pick from our list. Ingredients you add yourself, you write in each language you sell in. You stay responsible for the values.
Sources
This guide is a summary to help you find your way. It is not legal advice.
Put it into practice
Backlabel turns your label into one GS1 QR code: e-label, checkout and recalls.