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Green light for the production of alcohol-free wines in Italy. Was the interministerial decree has finally been passed (Mef-Masaf) which defines the tax regime and excise duties for the production of dealcoholised wine. Above all, the taxation of alcohol obtained from dealcoholization processes is at the center of the measure.
A measure long awaited by Italian producers who, in many cases, have already ventured into this market segment, which is, among other things, experiencing strong growth, especially abroad. However, until now, Italian entrepreneurs, precisely due to the absence of a regulatory framework, were forced to carry out delcolation operations abroad, primarily in Germany or Spain. Bearing the related transport costs.
The measure passed yesterday is also very important for the various producers who have invested in recent months to build dealcoholization systems in Italy but have so far remained on standby awaiting the fiscal rules framework. «With this decree – commented the Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty this afternoon, Francesco Lollobrigida – let’s give the wine sector a clear regulatory framework to be able to produce alcohol-free wines and thus offer new opportunities to companies in the sector. Masaf stands alongside producers and this is demonstrated by the interventions made in the last year. Today we define the tax regime for excise duties in the production of dealcoholized wine. I am sure that our producers will be able to achieve positions of excellence in this sector too.”
The provision allows entities, which also operate as fiscal warehouses for intermediate alcoholic products and wine, to carry out, within certain quantitative limits, wine dealcoholization processes. The provision also regulates the issuing of the authorization for the production and conservation of the product, contemplates administrative obligations and regulates its handling.
«We welcome the decree that defines the fiscal management of the hydroalcoholic solution obtained from the dealcoholization of wines – said the president of Federvini, Giacomo Ponti -. An eagerly awaited provision that provides the sector with a complete regulatory framework to allow this production also on the national territory.”
