I am reminded that the 221 page Agreement Between Australia and the European Community on Trade in Wine [PDF] (signed in Brussels on 1 December 2008) came into force on 1 September 2010. As the name suggests, it is a formal agreement that regulates trade in wine between Australia and the European Community, replacing the 1994 Agreement between Australia and the European Community on Trade in Wine.
The 2008 Agreement has been promoted as offering significant advantages to Australian producers/exporters through EU acceptance of Australian winemaking techniques and simpler requirements covering labelling requirements, blending rules and the display of Australian awards. Implementation of the Agreement has involved amendment of the Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) and Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation Act 1980 (Cth) through the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation Amendment Act 2010 (Cth) [here].
The Register of Protected Geographical Indications & Other Terms, which features the full list of Europe's Geographical Indications and Traditional Expressions and Australia's GIs, has been published.
Implementation results in formal protection within Europe for Australia’s 112 registered Geographical Indications.
