Vodka Classification restricted certain beverage alcohol products to be labelled as Vodka in Canada
Trade barrier summary
Prior to 2019, vodka sold in Canada could only be labelled as such if it were made with potato or grain. This excluded the UK companies who make vodka with cow's milk and with grapes from labelling their product as 'vodka'. This negatively impacted their ability to communicate what their product was to consumers. These products also were not allowed to be placed in the same section as the other vodka products.
Following consultation, the Food and Drug Regulations were amended to state:
“Vodka shall be a potable alcoholic distillate obtained from potatoes, cereal grain or any other material of agricultural origin fermented by the action of yeast or a mixture of yeast and other micro-organisms.
Vodka produced, in whole or in part, from material of agricultural origin other than potatoes or cereal grain, shall carry in close proximity to the common name, the statement “produced from” followed by the name of all material of agricultural origin used”.
Sectors affected
- Food and drink
Resolved
Yes - June 2019
Date reported
21 December 2018
Last updated
18 December 2020
Public ID
PID-GR6KJB
If a trade barrier is affecting your exports or investment from the UK, please let us know on report a trade barrier .
If you export goods you can check duties and customs procedures for your chosen market.