HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"L 147/6
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
2.6.2011
COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 538/2011
of 1 June 2011
amending Regulation (EC) No 607/2009 laying down certain detailed rules for the implementation
of Council Regulation (EC) No 479/2008 as regards protected designations of origin and
geographical indications, traditional terms, labelling and presentation of certain wine sector
products
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
XII to Regulation (EC) No 607/2009 should be trans
ferred to the electronic database ‘E-Bacchus’ and new
information related to the protection of traditional
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European
terms should exclusively be included in that database.
Union,
(6) In
order
to
clarify
the
relationship
between
protected
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 of
traditional terms and trademarks, it is necessary to
22 October 2007 on the common organisation of agricultural
specify on what legal basis an application for a
markets and on specific provisions for certain agricultural
trademark containing or consisting of a protected trad
products (Single CMO Regulation) ( 1 ), and in particular points
itional term should be assessed in accordance with
(k), (l) and (m) of the first paragraph of Article 121 and
Directive 2008/95/EC of the European Parliament and
Article 203b, in conjunction with Article 4 thereof,
of the Council of 22 October 2008 to approximate the
laws of the Member States relating to trade marks ( 3 ) or
Council Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 of 26 February
Whereas:
2009 on the Community trade mark ( 4 ).
(1) Article
18
of
Commission
Regulation
(EC)
No
607/2009 ( 2 ) lays down that the ‘Register of protected
(7) In order to improve the transparency of the rules
designations of origin and protected geographical indi
concerning traditional terms, in particular due to the
cations’ (hereinafter ‘the Register’) maintained by the
fact that they are moved to the electronic database ‘E-
Commission as provided for in Article 118n of Regu
Bacchus’, any modification relating to traditional terms
lation (EC) No 1234/2007 is included in the electronic
shall follow a formally defined procedure.
database ‘E-Bacchus’.
(8) Rules
should
be
provided
for
the
indication
of
the
(2)
For the sake of simplification, the list of representative
alcoholic strength by volume of certain specific
trade organisations and their members provided in
grapevine products in order to provide the public with
Annex XI to Regulation (EC) No 607/2009 should be
accurate information.
published on the Internet. Therefore, Article 30(2)
should be amended accordingly.
(9) In
order
to
facilitate
less
burdensome
labelling,
certain
(3) In
order
to
avoid
any
discrimination
between
wines
ori
information related to the name and the address of the
ginating in the Union and those imported from third
bottler may in some circumstances not be required.
countries, it should be clarified that terms traditionally
used in third countries may obtain recognition and
protection as traditional terms in the Union also where
(10) In order to improve controls of certain grapevine
they are used in conjunction with geographical indi
products, Member States should be allowed to regulate
cations or names of origin regulated by those third
the use of particulars referring to producer and processor.
countries.
(4) For
the
sake
of
clarity,
protected
traditional
terms
listed (11) For
the
sake
of
clarity,
Articles
42(1)
and
56(3)
should
be
in Annex XII should be transferred to the electronic
amended.
database ‘E-Bacchus’ thus gathering protected desig
nations of origin, protected geographical indications
and protected traditional terms in a single IT tool,
(12) The
use
of
a
specific
type
of
bottle
and
closure
for
easily available for consultation purposes.
sparkling wines, quality sparkling wines and quality
aromatic sparkling wines as provided for in Article 69
of Regulation (EC) No 607/2009 should be obligatory
(5) In
order
to
provide
up-to-date
information
relating
to
exclusively for the marketing and the export of such
traditional terms, the information indicated in Annex
wines produced in the European Union.
( 1 ) OJ L 299, 16.11.2007, p. 1.
( 3 ) OJ L 299, 8.11.2008, p. 25.
( 2 ) OJ L 193, 24.7.2009, p. 60.
( 4 ) OJ L 78, 24.3.2009, p. 1.

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EN
2.6.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
147/7
(13) As regards the transmission of technical files of existing
third countries for wine products covered by geographical
protected wine names referred to in Article 118s of
indications or names of origin under the legislation of
Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 the requirement to
those third countries.
identify the applicant of an existing wine name as
referred to in point (b) of Article 118c(1) of that Regu
lation may raise difficulty for some Member States since
2. Wines
originating
in
third
countries
whose
labels
these existing protected wine names are regulated at a
bear traditional indications other than the traditional
national level without any reference to a particular
terms listed in the electronic database “E-Bacchus” may
applicant. In order to facilitate the transition from the
use these traditional indications on wine labels in
arrangements provided for in Council Regulation (EC)
accordance with the rules applicable in the third
No 1493/1999 ( 1 ) to those established by Regulation
countries concerned, including those emanating from
(EC) No 1234/2007, transitional measures should be
representative professional organisations.’;
provided to comply with national legislations of those
Member States.
(3) Article 40 is replaced by the following:
(14) It is necessary to amend Annex VIII to Regulation (EC)
No 607/2009 as regards the prior rights which may be
‘Article 40
claimed in case of an opposition against an application
for protection of a traditional term.
General protection
1. If
an
application
for
the
protection
of
a
traditional
term satisfies the conditions laid down in Article 118u(1)
(15) Regulation (EC) No 607/2009 should therefore be
of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 and in Articles 31 and
amended accordingly.
35 of this Regulation and is not rejected under Articles 36,
38 and 39 of this Regulation, the traditional term shall be
included in the electronic database “E-Bacchus” with an
(16) The
measures
provided
for
in
this
Regulation
are
in
indication of:
accordance with the opinion of the Management
Committee for the Common Organisation of Agricultural
Markets,
(a) the language as referred to in Article 31;
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
(b) an indication of the grapevine product category or
categories concerned by the protection;
Article 1
(c) a reference to the national legislation of the Member
Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 607/2009
State in which the traditional term is defined and
Regulation (EC) No 607/2009 is amended as follows:
regulated, or rules applicable to wine producers in
third countries, including those emanating from
representative professional organisations; and
(1) in Article 30, paragraph 2 is replaced by the following:
(d) a summary of the definition or conditions of use.
‘2. In
case
of
an
application
filed
by
a
representative
professional organisation established in a third country,
the details of the representative professional organisation
2. The
traditional
terms
listed
in
the
electronic
database
shall also be communicated. The Commission shall publish
“E-Bacchus”, are protected only in the language and for
on the Internet the list of third countries concerned, the
the categories of grape vine products claimed in the
names of the representative professional organisations
application, against:
and the members of these representative professional
organisations.’;
(a) any misuse even if the protected term is accompanied
by an expression such as “style”, “type”, “method”, “as
produced in”, “imitation”, “flavour”, “like” or similar;
(2) Article 32 is replaced by the following:
(b) any other false or misleading indication as to the
‘Article 32
nature, characteristics or essential qualities of the
Rules on traditional terms of third countries
product, on the inner or outer packaging, advertising
material or documents relating to it;
1. The
definition
of
traditional
terms
provided
for
in
Article 118u(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 shall
apply mutatis mutandis to terms traditionally used in
(c) any other practice liable to mislead the consumer, in
particular to give the impression that the wine qualifies
( 1 ) OJ L 179, 14.7.1999, p. 1.
for the protected traditional term.’;

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L 147/8
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
2.6.2011
(4) in Article 41, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:
(7) in Article 47, paragraph 5 is replaced by the following:
‘5. When
a
cancellation
takes
effect,
the
Commission
‘1. Where
a
traditional
term
is
protected
under
this
shall remove the name concerned from the list set out
Regulation, the registration of a trademark, the use of
in the electronic database “E-Bacchus”.’;
which would contravene Article 40(2), shall be assessed
in accordance with Directive 2008/95/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council (*) or Council
(8) in Article 54, a new paragraph 3 is added:
Regulation (EC) No 207/2009 (**).
‘3. In
case
of
partially
fermented
grape
must
or
new
wine still in fermentation, the actual and/or total
Trademarks registered in breach of the first subparagraph
alcoholic strength by volume shall appear on the label.
shall be declared invalid upon request in accordance with
When the total alcoholic strength by volume appears on
the applicable procedures as specified by Directive
the label, the figures shall be followed by “% vol” and may
2008/95/EC or Regulation (EC) No 207/2009.
be preceded by words “total alcoholic strength” or “total
alcohol”.’;
___________
(9) Article 56 is amended as follows:
(*) OJ L 299, 8.11.2008, p. 25.
(**) OJ L 78, 24.3.2009, p. 1.’;
(a) in the third subparagraph of paragraph 2, the
following second sentence is added:
(5) in Article 42, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:
‘These requirements do not apply where bottling is
carried out in a place of immediate proximity to that
of the bottler.’;
‘1. A
term,
for
which
an
application
is
lodged
and
which is wholly or partially homonymous with that of a
(b) paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:
traditional term already protected under this Chapter shall
be protected with due regard to local and traditional usage
and the risk of confusion.
‘3. The
name
and
address
of
the
producer
or
vendor
shall be supplemented by the terms “producer” or
“produced by” and “vendor” or “sold by”, or equivalent.
A homonymous term which misleads consumers as to the
nature, quality or the true origin of the products shall not
Member States may decide to:
be registered even if the term is accurate.
(a) make compulsory the indication of the producer;
The use of a protected homonymous term shall be subject
to there being a sufficient distinction in practice between
(b) allow the replacement of the terms “producer” or
the homonym protected subsequently and the traditional
“produced by” by “processor” respectively “processed
term already listed in the electronic database “E-Bacchus”,
by”.’;
having regard to the need to treat the producers concerned
in an equitable manner and not to mislead the consumer.’;
(10) Article 69 is replaced by the following:
(6) a new Article 42a is inserted:
‘Article 69
Rules on presentation for certain products
‘Article 42a
1. Sparkling
wine,
quality
sparkling
wine
and
quality
aromatic sparkling wine produced in the European
Modification
Union shall be marketed or exported in “sparkling
An applicant as referred to in Article 29 may apply for an
wine”-type glass bottles closed with:
approval of a modification of a traditional term, the
language indicated, the wine or wines concerned or of
the summary of the definition or conditions of use of
(a) for bottles with a nominal volume more than 0,20
the traditional term concerned.
litres: a mushroom-shaped stopper made of cork or
other material permitted to come into contact with
foodstuffs, held in place by a fastening, covered, if
necessary, by a cap and sheathed in foil completely
Articles 33 to 39 apply mutatis mutandis to applications for
covering the stopper and all or part of the neck of
modification.’;
the bottle;

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EN
2.6.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
147/9
(b) for bottles with a nominal volume content not
Article 118s(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 the
exceeding 0,20 litres: any other suitable closure.
authorities of the Member States may be considered as
applicants for the purpose of the application of point (b)
Other products produced in the Union shall not be
of Article 118c(1) of that Regulation.’;
marketed or exported in either “sparkling wine”-type
glass bottles or with a closure as described in point (a)
of the first subparagraph.
(12) Annex II is replaced by Annex I to this Regulation;
2. By
way
of
derogation
from
the
second
subparagraph
of paragraph 1, Member States may decide that the
(13) Annex VIII is replaced by Annex II to this Regulation;
following products may be marketed or exported in
“sparkling wine”-type glass bottles and/or with a closure
as described in point (a) of the first subparagraph of
(14) Annexes XI and XII are deleted.
paragraph 1:
(a) products traditionally bottled in such bottles and
Article 2
which:
Transitional provisions
1. Prior to the deletion of Annexes XI and XII to Regulation
(i) are listed in Article 113d(1)(a) of Regulation (EC)
(EC) No 607/2009 by point (14) of Article 1 of this Regulation,
No 1234/2007;
the Commission shall replicate and:
(ii) are listed in points 7, 8 and 9 of Annex XIb to
Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007;
(a) publish on the Internet the content of Annex XI; and
(iii) are listed in Council Regulation (EEC) No
1601/1991 (*); or
(b) enter in the electronic database ‘E-Bacchus’ the traditional
terms listed in Annex XII.
(iv) have an actual alcoholic strength by volume no
greater than 1,2 % vol;
2. Any
modification
related
to
a
traditional
term
which
has
been recognised by a Member State or a third country and
(b) products other than those referred to in point (a)
notified to the Commission by the date of entry into force of
provided that they do not mislead consumers with
this Regulation and which has not been included in Annex XII
regard to the real nature of the product.
to Regulation (EC) No 607/2009, shall not be subject to the
procedure referred to in Article 42a as introduced by point (6)
___________
of Article 1 of this Regulation. The Commission shall enter that
(*) OJ L 149, 14.6.1991, p. 1.’;
modification in the electronic database ‘E-Bacchus’.
Article 3
(11) in Article 71 a new paragraph 3 is added:
Entry into force
‘3. By way of derogation from Article 2(2) of
This Regulation shall enter into force on the seventh day
this Regulation, in respect of the transmission of
following its publication in the Official Journal of the European
the technical files as referred to in point (a) of
Union.
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.
Done at Brussels, 1 June 2011.
For the Commission
The President
José Manuel BARROSO

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L 147/10
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
2.6.2011
ANNEX I
‘ANNEX II
SINGLE DOCUMENT
Date of receipt (DD/MM/YYYY) ................................................................................................
.......................................................................
[to be completed by the Commission]
Number of pages (including this page) ................................................................................................
.........................................................
Language used for submission of application ..............................................................................................
...............................................
File number [to be completed by the Commission] .....................................................................................................................................................................
Applicant
Name of legal or natural person ................................................................................................
.....................................................................
Full address (street number and name, town/city and postal code, country) ............................................................................................................................
Legal status (in the case of legal persons) ......................................................................................................................................................................................
Nationality ................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Intermediary
— Member State(s) (*) ................................................................................................
........................................................................................
— Third-country authority (*) .........................................................................................................................................................................
[(*) delete as appropriate]
Name(s) of intermediary(ies) ................................................................................................
..............................................................................
Full address(es) (street number and name, town/city and postal code, country) .....................................................................................................................
Name to be registered
— Designation of origin (*) ................................................................................................................................................................
.............
— Geographical indication (*) .........................................................................................................................................................................
[(*) delete as appropriate]
Description of the wine(s) ( 1 ) ............................................................................................................................................................................
Indication of traditional terms, as referred to in Article 118u(1) ( 2 ), which are linked to this designation of origin
or geographical indication ................................................................................................
..............................................................................
Specific oenological practices ( 3 ) ................................................................................................
..................................................................
Demarcated area ................................................................................................
................................................................................................
.
Maximum yield(s) per hectare ................................................................................................................................................................
..........
Authorised wine grape varieties ................................................................................................
.................................................................
Link with the geographical area ( 4 ) ................................................................................................
............................................................
Further conditions ( 3 ) ................................................................................................
........................................................................................
Reference to product specification
( 1 ) Including a reference to the products covered by Article 118a(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007.
( 2 ) Article 118u(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007.
( 3 ) Optional.
( 4 ) Describe the specific nature of the product and geographical area and the causal link between the two.’

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2.6.2011 Official
Journal
of
the
European
Union L
147/11
ANNEX II
‘ANNEX VIII
REQUEST OF OBJECTION TO A TRADITIONAL TERM
Date of receipt (DD/MM/YYYY) ................................................................................................
.......................................................................
[to be completed by the Commission]
Number of pages (including this page) ................................................................................................
.........................................................
Language of request of objection ................................................................................................
....................................................................
File number [to be completed by the Commission] .....................................................................................................................................................................
Objector
Name of legal or natural person ................................................................................................
.....................................................................
Full address (street number and name, town/city and postal code, country) ...........................................................................................................................
Nationality ................................................................................................
...............................................................................................................
Tel., fax, e-mail ................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
Intermediary
— Member State(s) (*) ................................................................................................
........................................................................................
— Third-country authority (optional) (*) ................................................................................................
.....................................................
[(*) delete as appropriate]
Name(s) of intermediary(ies) ................................................................................................
.......................................................................
Full address(es) (street number and name, town/city and postal code, country) ............................................................................................................
Objected traditional term ...............................................................................................................................................................................
Prior rights
— Protected designation of origin (*) ................................................................................................
...........................................................
— Protected geographical indication (*) .......................................................................................................................................................
— National geographical indication (*)
[(*) delete as appropriate]
Name ................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................
Registration number ................................................................................................................................................................
......................
Date of registration (DD/MM/YYYY) .......................................................................................................................................................
— Existing protected traditional term ................................................................................................
...........................................................
— Trademark
Sign .....................................................................................................................................................................................
...............................
List of products and services ................................................................................................
.....................................................................

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L 147/12
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
2.6.2011
Registration number ................................................................................................................................................................
......................
Date of registration ................................................................................................
.......................................................................................
Country of origin ................................................................................................
...........................................................................................
Reputation/renown (*) ...........................................................................................
.......................................................................................
[(*) delete as appropriate]
Grounds for objection
— Article 31 (*)
— Article 35 (*)
— Article 40(2)(a) (*)
— Article 40(2)(b) (*)
— Article 40(2)(c) (*)
— Article 41(3) (*)
— Article 42(1) (*)
— Article 42(2) (*)
— Article 54 of Regulation (EC) No 479/2008
[(*) delete as appropriate]
Explanation of ground(s) ................................................................................................................................................................
................
Name of signatory ................................................................................................
................................................................................................
Signature ................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................’

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