Labeling Imported Wines With Multistate Appellations (2008R-265P), 67663-67666 [2010-27736]

Download as PDF srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 3, 2010 / Proposed Rules Please submit your comments by only one method. The Department of Labor (Department) will post all comments received on https://www.regulations.gov without making any change to the comments, including any personal information provided. The https:// www.regulations.gov Web site is the Federal e-rulemaking portal and all comments posted there are available and accessible to the public. The Department cautions commenters not to include their personal information such as Social Security Numbers, personal addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses in their comments as such submitted information will become viewable by the public via the https:// www.regulations.gov Web site. It is the responsibility of the commenter to safeguard his or her information. Comments submitted through https:// www.regulations.gov will not include the commenter’s e-mail address unless the commenter chooses to include that information as part of his or her comment. Postal delivery in Washington, DC, may be delayed due to security concerns. Therefore, the Department encourages the public to submit comments via the Web site indicated above. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go the Federal eRulemaking portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. The Department will also make all the comments it receives available for public inspection during normal business hours at the ETA Office of Policy Development and Research at the above address. If you need assistance to review the comments, the Department will provide you with appropriate aids such as readers or print magnifiers. The Department will make copies of the rule available, upon request, in large print and as electronic file on computer disk. The Department will consider providing the proposed rule in other formats upon request. To schedule an appointment to review the comments and/or obtain the rule in an alternate format, contact the Office of Policy Development and Research at (202) 693–3700 (VOICE) (this is not a toll-free number) or 1–877–889–5627 (TTY/TDD). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information contact William L. Carlson, PhD, Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N–5641, Washington, DC 20210; Telephone (202) 693–3010 (this is not a VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:38 Nov 02, 2010 Jkt 223001 toll-free number). Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may access the telephone number above via TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Information Relay Service at 1–800– 877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 5, 2010 the Employment and Training Administration issued an NPRM to amend its regulations governing the certification of the employment of nonimmigrant workers in temporary or seasonal nonagricultural employment and the enforcement of the obligations applicable to employers of such nonimmigrant workers. 75 FR 61578, Oct. 5, 2010. The NPRM provided a comment period for the regulatory text through November 4, 2010. The agency has received several requests to extend the comment period and have decided to extend the comment period for an additional 8 days, to November 12, 2010. Given the complexity of the NPRM and the level of interest, as well as the Department’s interest in receiving comments, the comment period is being extended until November 12, 2010. Signed in Washington, DC, this 27th day of October 2010. Jane Oates, Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration. [FR Doc. 2010–27602 Filed 11–2–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–FP–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 67663 We must receive written comments on or before January 3, 2011. DATES: You may send comments on this notice to one of the following addresses: • https://www.regulations.gov (via the online comment form for this notice as posted within Docket No. TTB–2010– 0007 at ‘‘Regulations.gov,’’ the Federal erulemaking portal); • Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, P.O. Box 14412, Washington, DC 20044–4412; or • Hand delivery/courier in lieu of mail: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street, NW., Suite 200–E, Washington, DC 20005. See the Public Participation section of this notice for specific instructions and requirements for submitting comments, and for information on how to request a public hearing. You may view copies of this notice, selected supporting materials, and any comments we receive about this proposal within Docket No. TTB–2010– 0007 at https://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to this docket is posted on the TTB Web site at https://www.ttb.gov/ wine/wine-rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 110. You also may view copies of this notice, all supporting materials, and any comments we receive about this proposal by appointment at the TTB Information Resource Center, 1310 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20220. Please call 202–453–2270 to make an appointment. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: [Docket No. TTB–2010–0007; Notice No. 110] Jennifer Berry, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Regulations and Rulings Division, P.O. Box 18152, Roanoke, VA, 24014; telephone 540– 344–9333. RIN 1513–AB58 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 27 CFR Part 4 Labeling Imported Wines With Multistate Appellations (2008R–265P) Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau proposes to amend the wine labeling regulations to allow the labeling of imported wines with multistate appellations of origin. This amendment would provide treatment for imported wines similar to that currently available to domestic wines bearing multistate appellations. It would also provide consumers with additional information regarding the origin of these wines. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Background on Wine Labeling TTB Authority Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), 27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages. The FAA Act requires that these regulations, among other things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading statements on labels, and ensure that labels provide the consumer with adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the regulations promulgated under the FAA Act. E:\FR\FM\03NOP1.SGM 03NOP1 67664 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 3, 2010 / Proposed Rules srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS Use of Appellations of Origin on Wine Labels Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) sets forth standards promulgated under the FAA Act for the labeling and advertising of wine. Section 4.25 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25) sets forth rules regarding the use of appellations of origin. An appellation of origin for an American wine is defined in § 4.25(a)(1) as: • The United States; • A State; • Two or no more than three States which are all contiguous; • A county; • Two or no more than three counties in the same States; or • A viticultural area as defined in § 4.25(e)(1)(i). Section 4.25(b)(1) provides that an American wine is entitled to an appellation of origin other than a multicounty or multistate appellation, or a viticultural area, if, among other requirements, at least 75 percent of the wine is derived from fruit or agricultural products grown in the appellation area indicated. Use of an appellation of origin comprising two or no more than three contiguous States is allowed under § 4.25(d) if: • All of the fruit or other agricultural products were grown in the States indicated, and the percentage of the wine derived from fruit or other agricultural products grown in each State is shown on the label with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 percent; • The wine has been fully finished (except for cellar treatment pursuant to 27 CFR 4.22(c) and blending that does not result in an alteration of class or type under 27 CFR 4.22(b)) in one of the labeled appellation States; and • The wine conforms to the laws and regulations governing the composition, method of manufacture, and designation of wines in all the States listed in the appellation. An appellation of origin for imported wine is defined in § 4.25(a)(2) as: • A country; • A state, province, territory, or similar political subdivision of a country equivalent to a state or county; or • A viticultural area (which is defined in § 4.25(e)(1)(ii) in the case of imported wine). Section 4.25(b)(2) provides that an imported wine is entitled to an appellation of origin other than a viticultural area if: ‘‘(1) At least 75 percent of the wine is derived from fruit or agricultural products grown in the area indicated by the appellation of origin; and (2) the wine conforms to the VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:38 Nov 02, 2010 Jkt 223001 requirements of the foreign laws and regulations governing the composition, method of production, and designation of wines available for consumption within the country of origin.’’ There is no provision in the current TTB regulations for the use of multistate appellations on imported wines. The existing regulations regarding appellations of origin, including the provisions permitting multistate appellations for American wines, were promulgated by our predecessor agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), in T.D. ATF–53 (43 FR 37675), published August 23, 1978. The preamble of T.D. ATF–53 noted that the regulations provided ‘‘a comprehensive scheme for appellation of origin labeling’’ resulting in ‘‘more accurate information being provided to consumers about wine origin.’’ According to T.D. ATF–53, multistate appellations were suggested by domestic wine industry members. ATF decided to allow multistate appellations ‘‘in order to permit greater flexibility in appellation of origin labeling,’’ provided that all the grapes come from the named States, that the percentage of grapes from each State be shown on the label, and that the wine conform to the laws and regulations governing the composition, method of manufacture, and designation of wines in all of the States listed in the appellation. There was no discussion in T.D. ATF–53 regarding multistate appellations for foreign wines, including why multistate appellations were limited to American wines. Australian Petition The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC), a quasigovernmental authority responsible for, among other activities, regulating the exportation of Australian wine, submitted a petition to TTB to amend § 4.25(a)(2) to permit the labeling of Australian wines with multistate appellations. This proposal would allow an Australian wine imported into the United States to bear an appellation comprised of two or three Australian States, such as ‘‘Victoria-New South Wales-South Australia.’’ According to the AWBC petition, Australian regulations allow wines to be labeled with up to three Geographical Indications (officially defined wine regions) provided that 95 percent of the product is from the listed regions, the regions are listed in descending order of their proportions in the blend, and a minimum of 5 percent of the wine is from each listed region. Australian Geographical Indications include the PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Australian States, which are roughly equivalent to American States. TTB Analysis TTB believes that the considerations that led to the adoption of multistate appellations for American wines expressed in T.D ATF–53, namely greater information for the consumer and greater flexibility to the winemaker, also apply to the use of multistate appellations for imported wines. Further, as noted above, § 4.25(a)(2) already recognizes political subdivisions of a country equivalent to a State as qualifying as appellations of origin. TTB therefore proposes to amend § 4.25 to permit the use of multistate appellations for imported wines. The proposed amendments reflect the following considerations: • TTB notes that other wineproducing countries do not necessarily have political subdivisions that are called ‘‘states’’ and § 4.25(a)(2) already recognizes that there are ‘‘similar’’ political subdivisions equivalent to a State that qualify as appellations of origin for imported wine. Consistent with the current regulatory approach, TTB believes it is appropriate to refer to similar political subdivisions of a country that are equivalent to a State in the new texts covering multistate appellations. As a practical matter, before approving any certificate of label approval (COLA) for imported wine that contains a multistate appellation, TTB must be able to conclude that: (1) The entities named in the appellation are states, provinces, territories, or political subdivisions of the country equivalent to a State; and (2) the entities named in the appellation are contiguous. To assist TTB in reaching these conclusions, TTB may request, under the authority of 27 CFR 4.38(h), that COLA applicants provide documentation that supports these necessary conclusions. Such documentation may take the form of maps which delineate the entities named and are highlighted to show the entities’ contiguity, or statements from officials within the country of origin which provide factual information in support of these conclusions. • TTB is proposing to require that all (100 percent) of the wine be derived from fruit or other agricultural products grown in the political subdivisions shown on the label and that the percentage of the wine derived from fruit or other agricultural products grown in each political subdivision be shown on the label. This amendment would mirror the current requirement for multistate appellations on American wines, which we believe provides the E:\FR\FM\03NOP1.SGM 03NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 3, 2010 / Proposed Rules consumer with useful information regarding the identity and quality of the wine. • TTB is also proposing to specify that imported wine labeled with a multistate appellation must conform to the requirements of the foreign laws and regulations governing the composition, method of production, and designation of wines available for consumption within the country of origin. This amendment would parallel the requirement applicable to imported wine with a single state (or similar political subdivision) appellation under § 4.25(b)(2)(ii). The amendments to § 4.25 proposed in this document entail revisions of paragraph (a)(2), the introductory text of paragraph (b)(2), and paragraph (d), as well as a conforming change in paragraph (e)(1)(ii). The revision of paragraph (a)(2) involves the addition of a subparagraph covering multistate appellations; the entire paragraph (a)(2) appears in the proposed regulatory text for clarity. The change to paragraph (b)(2) involves the addition of the words ‘‘other than a multistate appellation’’ similar to the wording of the introductory text of paragraph (b)(1) in regard to American wine. The revisions of paragraph (d) involve redesignation of the existing text as subparagraph (1) and adding a new subparagraph (2) to cover multistate appellations for imported wine. Finally, a number of nonsubstantive editorial-type organizational and wording changes have been made to the revised texts for clarity and readability purposes. Public Participation srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS Comments Sought We request comments from interested members of the public. We are particularly interested in whether the proposed changes will result in treatment for imported wines comparable to that currently available to domestic wines bearing a multistate appellation of origin. We are interested in comments regarding subdivisions of foreign political systems, including the various political subdivisions that might be considered equivalents of U.S. States. In addition, we are interested in comments concerning the requirements for the use of multistate appellations for imported wine. We also are interested in receiving comments on whether this additional information is helpful to the consumer. Please provide specific information in support of your comments. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:38 Nov 02, 2010 Jkt 223001 Submitting Comments You may submit comments on this notice by using one of the following three methods: • Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the online comment form linked to this notice in Docket No. TTB–2010–0007 on ‘‘Regulations.gov,’’ the Federal erulemaking portal, at https:// www.regulations.gov. A link to the docket is available under Notice No. 110 on the TTB Web site at https:// www.ttb.gov/wine/winerulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files may be attached to comments submitted via Regulations.gov. For information on how to use Regulations.gov, click on the site’s Help or FAQ tabs. • U.S. Mail: You may send comments via postal mail to the Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, P.O. Box 14412, Washington, DC 20044–4412. • Hand Delivery/Courier: You may hand-carry your comments or have them hand-carried to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street, NW., Suite 200–E, Washington, DC 20005. Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this notice. Your comments must reference Notice No. 110 and include your name and mailing address. Your comments also must be made in English, be legible, and be written in language acceptable for public disclosure. We do not acknowledge receipt of comments, and we consider all comments as originals. If you are commenting on behalf of an association, business, or other entity, your comment must include the entity’s name as well as your name and position title. If you comment via Regulations.gov, please include the entity’s name in the ‘‘Organization’’ blank of the comment form. If you comment via postal mail, please submit your entity’s comment on letterhead. You may also write to the Administrator before the comment closing date to ask for a public hearing. The Administrator reserves the right to determine whether to hold a public hearing. Confidentiality All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you consider to be confidential or that is inappropriate for public disclosure. PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 67665 Public Disclosure On the Federal e-rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, we will post, and the public may view, copies of this notice, selected supporting materials, and any electronic or mailed comments we receive about this proposal. A direct link to the Regulations.gov docket containing this notice and the posted comments received on it is available on the TTB Web site at https://www.ttb.gov/ wine/wine-rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 110. You may also reach the docket containing this notice and the posted comments received on it through the Regulations.gov search page at https://www.regulations.gov. All posted comments will display the commenter’s name, organization (if any), city, and State, and, in the case of mailed comments, all address information, including e-mail addresses. We may omit voluminous attachments or material that we consider unsuitable for posting. You and other members of the public may view copies of this notice, all related petitions, maps and other supporting materials, and any electronic or mailed comments we receive about this proposal by appointment at the TTB Information Resource Center, 1310 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20220. You may also obtain copies at 20 cents per 8.5- x 11-inch page. Contact our information specialist at the above address or by telephone at 202–453– 2270 to schedule an appointment or to request copies of comments or other materials. Regulatory Flexibility Act We certify under the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The proposed amendments merely provide optional, additional flexibility in wine labeling decisions. Accordingly, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. Executive Order 12866 This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866. Therefore, it requires no regulatory assessment. Drafting Information Jennifer Berry of the Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, drafted this document. List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 4 Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Customs duties and inspection, Imports, Labeling, E:\FR\FM\03NOP1.SGM 03NOP1 67666 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 212 / Wednesday, November 3, 2010 / Proposed Rules Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Trade practices, Wine. Proposed Amendments to the Regulations For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB proposes to amend 27 CFR part 4, Labeling and Advertising of Wine, as set forth below: PART 4—LABELING AND ADVERTISING OF WINE 1. The authority citation for 27 CFR part 4 continues to read as follows: Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205, unless otherwise noted. 2. Section 4.25 is amended: a. By revising paragraph (a)(2), the introductory text of paragraph (b)(2), and paragraph (d); and b. In paragraph (e)(1)(ii), by removing the words ‘‘(other than an appellation defined in paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii))’’ and adding, in their place, the words ‘‘(other than an appellation defined in paragraph (a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(ii), or (a)(2)(iii))’’. The revisions read as follows: srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS § 4.25 Appellations of origin. (a) * * * (2) Imported wine. An appellation of origin for imported wine is: (i) A country; (ii) A state, province, territory, or similar political subdivision of a country equivalent to a State or county; (iii) Two or no more than three states, provinces, territories, or similar political subdivisions of a country equivalent to a State which are all contiguous; or (iv) A viticultural area (as defined in paragraph (e) of this section). (b) * * * (2) Imported wine. An imported wine is entitled to an appellation of origin other than a multistate appellation, or a viticultural area, if: * * * * * (d) Multistate appellations. (1) American wine. An appellation of origin comprising two or no more than three States which are all contiguous may be used, if: (i) All of the fruit or other agricultural products were grown in the States indicated, and the percentage of the wine derived from fruit or other agricultural products grown in each State is shown on the label with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 percent; (ii) The wine has been fully finished (except for cellar treatment pursuant to § 4.22(c), and blending that does not result in an alteration of class or type under § 4.22(b)) in one of the labeled appellation States; and VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:38 Nov 02, 2010 Jkt 223001 (iii) The wine conforms to the laws and regulations governing the composition, method of manufacture, and designation of wines in all of the States listed in the appellation. (2) Imported wine. An appellation of origin comprising two or no more than three states, provinces, territories, or similar political subdivisions of a country equivalent to a State which are all contiguous may be used if: (i) All of the fruit or other agricultural products were grown in the states, provinces, territories, or similar political subdivisions of a country equivalent to a State indicated, and the percentage of the wine derived from fruit or other agricultural products grown in each state, province, territory, or political subdivision equivalent to a State is shown on the label with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 percent; and (ii) The wine conforms to the requirements of the foreign laws and regulations governing the composition, method of production, and designation of wines available for consumption within the country of origin. * * * * * Signed: June 2, 2010. John J. Manfreda, Administrator. Approved: June 30, 2010. Timothy E. Skud, Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy). [FR Doc. 2010–27736 Filed 11–2–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–31–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 27 CFR Part 4 [Docket No. TTB–2010–0006; Notice No. 109] RIN 1513–AB24 Use of Various Winemaking Terms on Wine Labels and in Advertisements; Request for Public Comment Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury. ACTION: Advance notice of proposed rulemaking; solicitation of comments. AGENCY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is considering amending the regulations concerning various winemaking terms commonly used on labels and in advertisements to provide consumers with information about the growing or bottling conditions of wine. We invite comments from industry members, consumers, and SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 other interested parties as to whether and to what extent we should propose specific regulatory amendments for further public comment. DATES: We must receive written comments on or before January 3, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may send comments on this notice to one of the following addresses: • https://www.regulations.gov (via the online comment form for this notice as posted within Docket No. TTB–2010– 0006 at ‘‘Regulations.gov,’’ the Federal erulemaking portal); • Mail: Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, P.O. Box 14412, Washington, DC 20044–4412; or • Hand Delivery/Courier in Lieu of Mail: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street, NW., Suite 200–E, Washington, DC 20005. See the Public Participation section of this notice for specific instructions and requirements for submitting comments, and for information on how to request a public hearing. You may view copies of this notice and any comments we receive about it within Docket No. TTB–2010–0006 at https://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to this docket is posted on the TTB Web site at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/ wine-rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 109. You also may view copies of this notice and the comments we receive about it by appointment at the TTB Information Resource Center, 1310 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20220. Please call 202–453–2270 to make an appointment. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa M. Gesser, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, P.O. Box 128, Morganza, MD 20660; (301) 290–1460. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Authority To Prescribe Labeling and Advertising Regulations for Wine Sections 105(e) and 105(f) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), codified in the United States Code at 27 U.S.C. 205(e) and 205(f), set forth standards for the regulation of the labeling and advertising of alcohol beverage products, including wine, as that term is defined in 27 U.S.C. 211. These provisions give the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to issue regulations to prevent deception of the consumer with respect to such products, to provide the consumer with ‘‘adequate information’’ as to the identity and quality of the product, and to prohibit false or misleading statements. Additionally, these FAA Act provisions give the Secretary the authority to E:\FR\FM\03NOP1.SGM 03NOP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 212 (Wednesday, November 3, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 67663-67666]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-27736]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

27 CFR Part 4

[Docket No. TTB-2010-0007; Notice No. 110]
RIN 1513-AB58


Labeling Imported Wines With Multistate Appellations (2008R-265P)

AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau proposes to amend 
the wine labeling regulations to allow the labeling of imported wines 
with multistate appellations of origin. This amendment would provide 
treatment for imported wines similar to that currently available to 
domestic wines bearing multistate appellations. It would also provide 
consumers with additional information regarding the origin of these 
wines.

DATES: We must receive written comments on or before January 3, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments on this notice to one of the following 
addresses:
     https://www.regulations.gov (via the online comment form 
for this notice as posted within Docket No. TTB-2010-0007 at 
``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal);
     Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and 
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, P.O. Box 14412, Washington, DC 20044-
4412; or
     Hand delivery/courier in lieu of mail: Alcohol and Tobacco 
Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street, NW., Suite 200-E, Washington, DC 
20005.
    See the Public Participation section of this notice for specific 
instructions and requirements for submitting comments, and for 
information on how to request a public hearing.
    You may view copies of this notice, selected supporting materials, 
and any comments we receive about this proposal within Docket No. TTB-
2010-0007 at https://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to this docket 
is posted on the TTB Web site at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine-rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 110. You also may view copies of this 
notice, all supporting materials, and any comments we receive about 
this proposal by appointment at the TTB Information Resource Center, 
1310 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20220. Please call 202-453-2270 to 
make an appointment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Berry, Alcohol and Tobacco 
Tax and Trade Bureau, Regulations and Rulings Division, P.O. Box 18152, 
Roanoke, VA, 24014; telephone 540-344-9333.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background on Wine Labeling

TTB Authority

    Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), 
27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe 
regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt 
beverages. The FAA Act requires that these regulations, among other 
things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading 
statements on labels, and ensure that labels provide the consumer with 
adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The 
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the 
regulations promulgated under the FAA Act.

[[Page 67664]]

Use of Appellations of Origin on Wine Labels

    Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) sets forth standards 
promulgated under the FAA Act for the labeling and advertising of wine. 
Section 4.25 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25) sets forth rules 
regarding the use of appellations of origin. An appellation of origin 
for an American wine is defined in Sec.  4.25(a)(1) as:
     The United States;
     A State;
     Two or no more than three States which are all contiguous;
     A county;
     Two or no more than three counties in the same States; or
     A viticultural area as defined in Sec.  4.25(e)(1)(i).
    Section 4.25(b)(1) provides that an American wine is entitled to an 
appellation of origin other than a multicounty or multistate 
appellation, or a viticultural area, if, among other requirements, at 
least 75 percent of the wine is derived from fruit or agricultural 
products grown in the appellation area indicated. Use of an appellation 
of origin comprising two or no more than three contiguous States is 
allowed under Sec.  4.25(d) if:
     All of the fruit or other agricultural products were grown 
in the States indicated, and the percentage of the wine derived from 
fruit or other agricultural products grown in each State is shown on 
the label with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 percent;
     The wine has been fully finished (except for cellar 
treatment pursuant to 27 CFR 4.22(c) and blending that does not result 
in an alteration of class or type under 27 CFR 4.22(b)) in one of the 
labeled appellation States; and
     The wine conforms to the laws and regulations governing 
the composition, method of manufacture, and designation of wines in all 
the States listed in the appellation.
    An appellation of origin for imported wine is defined in Sec.  
4.25(a)(2) as:
     A country;
     A state, province, territory, or similar political 
subdivision of a country equivalent to a state or county; or
     A viticultural area (which is defined in Sec.  
4.25(e)(1)(ii) in the case of imported wine).
    Section 4.25(b)(2) provides that an imported wine is entitled to an 
appellation of origin other than a viticultural area if: ``(1) At least 
75 percent of the wine is derived from fruit or agricultural products 
grown in the area indicated by the appellation of origin; and (2) the 
wine conforms to the requirements of the foreign laws and regulations 
governing the composition, method of production, and designation of 
wines available for consumption within the country of origin.'' There 
is no provision in the current TTB regulations for the use of 
multistate appellations on imported wines.
    The existing regulations regarding appellations of origin, 
including the provisions permitting multistate appellations for 
American wines, were promulgated by our predecessor agency, the Bureau 
of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), in T.D. ATF-53 (43 FR 37675), 
published August 23, 1978. The preamble of T.D. ATF-53 noted that the 
regulations provided ``a comprehensive scheme for appellation of origin 
labeling'' resulting in ``more accurate information being provided to 
consumers about wine origin.'' According to T.D. ATF-53, multistate 
appellations were suggested by domestic wine industry members. ATF 
decided to allow multistate appellations ``in order to permit greater 
flexibility in appellation of origin labeling,'' provided that all the 
grapes come from the named States, that the percentage of grapes from 
each State be shown on the label, and that the wine conform to the laws 
and regulations governing the composition, method of manufacture, and 
designation of wines in all of the States listed in the appellation. 
There was no discussion in T.D. ATF-53 regarding multistate 
appellations for foreign wines, including why multistate appellations 
were limited to American wines.

Australian Petition

    The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC), a quasi-
governmental authority responsible for, among other activities, 
regulating the exportation of Australian wine, submitted a petition to 
TTB to amend Sec.  4.25(a)(2) to permit the labeling of Australian 
wines with multistate appellations. This proposal would allow an 
Australian wine imported into the United States to bear an appellation 
comprised of two or three Australian States, such as ``Victoria-New 
South Wales-South Australia.'' According to the AWBC petition, 
Australian regulations allow wines to be labeled with up to three 
Geographical Indications (officially defined wine regions) provided 
that 95 percent of the product is from the listed regions, the regions 
are listed in descending order of their proportions in the blend, and a 
minimum of 5 percent of the wine is from each listed region. Australian 
Geographical Indications include the Australian States, which are 
roughly equivalent to American States.

TTB Analysis

    TTB believes that the considerations that led to the adoption of 
multistate appellations for American wines expressed in T.D ATF-53, 
namely greater information for the consumer and greater flexibility to 
the winemaker, also apply to the use of multistate appellations for 
imported wines. Further, as noted above, Sec.  4.25(a)(2) already 
recognizes political subdivisions of a country equivalent to a State as 
qualifying as appellations of origin.
    TTB therefore proposes to amend Sec.  4.25 to permit the use of 
multistate appellations for imported wines. The proposed amendments 
reflect the following considerations:
     TTB notes that other wine-producing countries do not 
necessarily have political subdivisions that are called ``states'' and 
Sec.  4.25(a)(2) already recognizes that there are ``similar'' 
political subdivisions equivalent to a State that qualify as 
appellations of origin for imported wine. Consistent with the current 
regulatory approach, TTB believes it is appropriate to refer to similar 
political subdivisions of a country that are equivalent to a State in 
the new texts covering multistate appellations. As a practical matter, 
before approving any certificate of label approval (COLA) for imported 
wine that contains a multistate appellation, TTB must be able to 
conclude that: (1) The entities named in the appellation are states, 
provinces, territories, or political subdivisions of the country 
equivalent to a State; and (2) the entities named in the appellation 
are contiguous. To assist TTB in reaching these conclusions, TTB may 
request, under the authority of 27 CFR 4.38(h), that COLA applicants 
provide documentation that supports these necessary conclusions. Such 
documentation may take the form of maps which delineate the entities 
named and are highlighted to show the entities' contiguity, or 
statements from officials within the country of origin which provide 
factual information in support of these conclusions.
     TTB is proposing to require that all (100 percent) of the 
wine be derived from fruit or other agricultural products grown in the 
political subdivisions shown on the label and that the percentage of 
the wine derived from fruit or other agricultural products grown in 
each political subdivision be shown on the label. This amendment would 
mirror the current requirement for multistate appellations on American 
wines, which we believe provides the

[[Page 67665]]

consumer with useful information regarding the identity and quality of 
the wine.
     TTB is also proposing to specify that imported wine 
labeled with a multistate appellation must conform to the requirements 
of the foreign laws and regulations governing the composition, method 
of production, and designation of wines available for consumption 
within the country of origin. This amendment would parallel the 
requirement applicable to imported wine with a single state (or similar 
political subdivision) appellation under Sec.  4.25(b)(2)(ii).
    The amendments to Sec.  4.25 proposed in this document entail 
revisions of paragraph (a)(2), the introductory text of paragraph 
(b)(2), and paragraph (d), as well as a conforming change in paragraph 
(e)(1)(ii). The revision of paragraph (a)(2) involves the addition of a 
subparagraph covering multistate appellations; the entire paragraph 
(a)(2) appears in the proposed regulatory text for clarity. The change 
to paragraph (b)(2) involves the addition of the words ``other than a 
multistate appellation'' similar to the wording of the introductory 
text of paragraph (b)(1) in regard to American wine. The revisions of 
paragraph (d) involve redesignation of the existing text as 
subparagraph (1) and adding a new subparagraph (2) to cover multistate 
appellations for imported wine. Finally, a number of nonsubstantive 
editorial-type organizational and wording changes have been made to the 
revised texts for clarity and readability purposes.

Public Participation

Comments Sought

    We request comments from interested members of the public. We are 
particularly interested in whether the proposed changes will result in 
treatment for imported wines comparable to that currently available to 
domestic wines bearing a multistate appellation of origin. We are 
interested in comments regarding subdivisions of foreign political 
systems, including the various political subdivisions that might be 
considered equivalents of U.S. States. In addition, we are interested 
in comments concerning the requirements for the use of multistate 
appellations for imported wine. We also are interested in receiving 
comments on whether this additional information is helpful to the 
consumer. Please provide specific information in support of your 
comments.

Submitting Comments

    You may submit comments on this notice by using one of the 
following three methods:
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the 
online comment form linked to this notice in Docket No. TTB-2010-0007 
on ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at https://www.regulations.gov. A link to the docket is available under Notice No. 
110 on the TTB Web site at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine-rulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files may be attached to comments 
submitted via Regulations.gov. For information on how to use 
Regulations.gov, click on the site's Help or FAQ tabs.
     U.S. Mail: You may send comments via postal mail to the 
Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and 
Trade Bureau, P.O. Box 14412, Washington, DC 20044-4412.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: You may hand-carry your comments or 
have them hand-carried to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 
1310 G Street, NW., Suite 200-E, Washington, DC 20005.
    Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this 
notice. Your comments must reference Notice No. 110 and include your 
name and mailing address. Your comments also must be made in English, 
be legible, and be written in language acceptable for public 
disclosure. We do not acknowledge receipt of comments, and we consider 
all comments as originals.
    If you are commenting on behalf of an association, business, or 
other entity, your comment must include the entity's name as well as 
your name and position title. If you comment via Regulations.gov, 
please include the entity's name in the ``Organization'' blank of the 
comment form. If you comment via postal mail, please submit your 
entity's comment on letterhead.
    You may also write to the Administrator before the comment closing 
date to ask for a public hearing. The Administrator reserves the right 
to determine whether to hold a public hearing.

Confidentiality

    All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public 
record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your 
comments that you consider to be confidential or that is inappropriate 
for public disclosure.

Public Disclosure

    On the Federal e-rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, we will post, 
and the public may view, copies of this notice, selected supporting 
materials, and any electronic or mailed comments we receive about this 
proposal. A direct link to the Regulations.gov docket containing this 
notice and the posted comments received on it is available on the TTB 
Web site at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine-rulemaking.shtml under Notice 
No. 110. You may also reach the docket containing this notice and the 
posted comments received on it through the Regulations.gov search page 
at  https://www.regulations.gov. All posted comments will display the 
commenter's name, organization (if any), city, and State, and, in the 
case of mailed comments, all address information, including e-mail 
addresses. We may omit voluminous attachments or material that we 
consider unsuitable for posting.
    You and other members of the public may view copies of this notice, 
all related petitions, maps and other supporting materials, and any 
electronic or mailed comments we receive about this proposal by 
appointment at the TTB Information Resource Center, 1310 G Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20220. You may also obtain copies at 20 cents per 8.5- x 
11-inch page. Contact our information specialist at the above address 
or by telephone at 202-453-2270 to schedule an appointment or to 
request copies of comments or other materials.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    We certify under the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) that this proposed rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The proposed amendments merely provide optional, additional flexibility 
in wine labeling decisions. Accordingly, a regulatory flexibility 
analysis is not required.

Executive Order 12866

    This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action as 
defined by Executive Order 12866. Therefore, it requires no regulatory 
assessment.

Drafting Information

    Jennifer Berry of the Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and 
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, drafted this document.

List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 4

    Administrative practice and procedure, Advertising, Customs duties 
and inspection, Imports, Labeling,

[[Page 67666]]

Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Trade practices, Wine.

Proposed Amendments to the Regulations

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB proposes to amend 27 
CFR part 4, Labeling and Advertising of Wine, as set forth below:

PART 4--LABELING AND ADVERTISING OF WINE

    1. The authority citation for 27 CFR part 4 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  27 U.S.C. 205, unless otherwise noted.

    2. Section 4.25 is amended:
    a. By revising paragraph (a)(2), the introductory text of paragraph 
(b)(2), and paragraph (d); and
    b. In paragraph (e)(1)(ii), by removing the words ``(other than an 
appellation defined in paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii))'' and adding, 
in their place, the words ``(other than an appellation defined in 
paragraph (a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(ii), or (a)(2)(iii))''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  4.25  Appellations of origin.

    (a) * * *
    (2) Imported wine. An appellation of origin for imported wine is:
    (i) A country;
    (ii) A state, province, territory, or similar political subdivision 
of a country equivalent to a State or county;
    (iii) Two or no more than three states, provinces, territories, or 
similar political subdivisions of a country equivalent to a State which 
are all contiguous; or
    (iv) A viticultural area (as defined in paragraph (e) of this 
section).
    (b) * * *
    (2) Imported wine. An imported wine is entitled to an appellation 
of origin other than a multistate appellation, or a viticultural area, 
if:
* * * * *
    (d) Multistate appellations. (1) American wine. An appellation of 
origin comprising two or no more than three States which are all 
contiguous may be used, if:
    (i) All of the fruit or other agricultural products were grown in 
the States indicated, and the percentage of the wine derived from fruit 
or other agricultural products grown in each State is shown on the 
label with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 percent;
    (ii) The wine has been fully finished (except for cellar treatment 
pursuant to Sec.  4.22(c), and blending that does not result in an 
alteration of class or type under Sec.  4.22(b)) in one of the labeled 
appellation States; and
    (iii) The wine conforms to the laws and regulations governing the 
composition, method of manufacture, and designation of wines in all of 
the States listed in the appellation.
    (2) Imported wine. An appellation of origin comprising two or no 
more than three states, provinces, territories, or similar political 
subdivisions of a country equivalent to a State which are all 
contiguous may be used if:
    (i) All of the fruit or other agricultural products were grown in 
the states, provinces, territories, or similar political subdivisions 
of a country equivalent to a State indicated, and the percentage of the 
wine derived from fruit or other agricultural products grown in each 
state, province, territory, or political subdivision equivalent to a 
State is shown on the label with a tolerance of plus or minus 2 
percent; and
    (ii) The wine conforms to the requirements of the foreign laws and 
regulations governing the composition, method of production, and 
designation of wines available for consumption within the country of 
origin.
* * * * *

    Signed: June 2, 2010.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
    Approved: June 30, 2010.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary (Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy).
[FR Doc. 2010-27736 Filed 11-2-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P
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