Scotch whisky regulations take effect

The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 come into force today, having been designed to protect the industry against cheap imitations, according to the Scottish Government.

The law now requires single malts to be bottled in Scotland and requires manufacturers to make it clear on the label where the whisky was distilled.
“It is vital to protect the good name of Scotch from inferior imitations, and that is why the Scottish Government has contributed to the development of the new regulations, which do just that,” said Scotland’s enterprise minister, Jim Mather.
“We will work with our enterprise agencies - in particular Scottish Development International - to promote the regulations throughout the world in order to further strengthen the protection of Scotch Whisky in overseas markets. This should help maximise the massive economic potential of the industry, safeguarding jobs and investment in Scotland.”
The Scottish Government said it had been been working closely with industry, through the Scotch Whisky Association, and with the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs over three years. The close co-operation was intended to ensure that the legislation reflected the industry’s requirements.