The Australian Wine Research Institute

Exporting wine

Resources:

• Additives and processing aids
• Analytical specifications for the export of Australian wine

Exporting wine overseas for the first time can seem very complicated, but the staff of Commercial Services can assist in making the process as easy as possible.

When the AWRI issues export certificates you can be confident your wine complies with the strict requirements of overseas markets. Certificates are delivered reliably and quickly whether they are for sweet or dry wine, still or sparkling, bulk or packaged. Our experienced Customer Service team can advise you on the certificates required. Please contact us for further information, or if you require assistance.

General information about exports

Every wine leaving Australia as part of a consignment of more than 100 litres, requires inspection and approval from Wine Australia. Commercial Services can supply you with the analytical requirements for exporting. When exporting wine to a country without a standardised certificate contact Commercial Services for assistance. Our Customer Service team will be happy to work through your specific export with you to help make the process as simple as possible. For information regarding the Continuing Approval Application, labels or any other export documentation please contact Wine Australia.

Telephone: +61 8 8228 2000
Facsimile: +61 8 8228 2066
E-mail: enquiries@wineaustralia.com
Website: www.wineaustralia.com

Analyses for Export

The analysis required for the "Continuing Approval Application" is referred to as the Certificate of Analysis. To obtain a 'Continuing Approval Application' for export approval, which is required for all international destinations when exporting over 100 litres, send 2 x 750 mL bottles of each wine to Commerical Services with a completed purchase order. When sending samples in for analysis we can also forward samples to Wine Australia for their compulsory export inspection at no extra cost. If you wish to take advantage of this service please include an extra 2 x 750 mL bottles of each wine in your consignment to AWRI Commercial Services, making the total requirement of each wine 4 bottles.

Some countries, such as Japan and Europe, require additional export certificates. These certificates are required for your wine to be permitted access to the specified country, and have specific analysis requirements. The analysis for these export certificates can be performed by Commercial Services.

Export to Europe or Japan

Wines destined for Europe require a VI1 certificate of analysis in addition to the compulsory Continuing Approval components which are included in our Certificate of Analysis. There are three different types of VI1 certificates; packaged, bulk and late harvest/botrytised/still wines over 20% alcohol. The analytical requirements differ for each certificate. Wines destined for Japan require a Japanese export certificate which includes a different combination of tests to those required for Europe.

Export to Brazil

The Brazil Government requires a specific template to be issued for Brazil exports. An AWRI version of this template is to be completed by the exporter with all the wine/export information in the top section. You will also need to complete the colour and clarity sections with abnormal or normal and the colour of the wine (red, white or rose). Once you have completed this please email in a word format to AWRI Commercial Services (commercialservices@awri.com.au), we then complete the appropriate analyses and return a pdf version of the template back to you to submit to Wine Australia for approval. A template must be completed for each wine that is being exported, please ensure all details are complete and correct before sending the template to AWRI Commercial Services as further fees will apply to reproduce the certificate after completion. Please ensure you include a purchase order with the wine samples and email the Brazil templates when sending the wine to ensure we can produce the certificate in a timely manner.

Is all the analysis I need included in the standard export certificate?

Please be aware that your client/importer can sometimes request analyses outside of the standard analytical requirements for that certificate. Please ensure you request any additional tests not included in the standard certificate on the purchase order, or contact Customer Service to discuss on 08 8313 6600 or email commercialservices@awri.com.au.

Multiple export certificates

It is often easier and more cost effective to obtain certificates for more than one destination at the same time as many of the certificates have analyses in common.

Export upgrades

From time to time, it may be necessary to upgrade your export certificate to include another export destination. Commercial Services offers export upgrades for this purpose, which may prevent the expense of re-analysing the wine. One of the reasons we request two bottles when we are analysing your wine for export certificates, is to allow us to retain a holdback or reference sample. This sample is kept for approximately 6 to 10 months, which means extra analysis can often be performed immediately without the lengthy delays associated with re-submitting samples.

Repeat/re-issue certificates

Commercial Services can re-issue certificates for an export wine from the original analysis. Repeat certificates are available from $30 per wine (excluding GST). Please contact Customer Service to obtain a personalised quote if you require a large number of repeat certificates. Please email the upgrade / repeat request form to Customer Service at commercialservices@awri.com.au or fax to 08 8313 6621.

Analytical requirements as currently on the web

This table shows the different analysis required for various export certificates.