Law No. 25,163
General rules for the description and presentation of wines and wine-based spirits in Argentina are hereby established. Indication of source and geographical indication. Controlled appellation of origin. Protection of indications of source, geographical indications and controlled appellations of origin – scope and obligations. Rights. Implementing authority. National Council for Appellation of Origin of Wines and Wine-based Spirits. Infringements and penalties. Supplementary provisions.
Enacted: 15 September 1999
De facto promulgation: 6 October 1999
The Senate and Chamber of Deputies of Argentina, assembled in Congress, etc., have enacted with force of law:
LAW ESTABLISHING GENERAL RULES FOR THE DESCRIPTION AND PRESENTATION OF WINES AND WINE-BASED SPIRITS OF ARGENTINA
CHAPTER I: GENERAL RULES
Article 1 – The purpose of the present Law is to establish a system for the recognition, protection and registration of Argentine geographical names for designating the origin of wines and wine-based spirits.
Article 2 – To that end, the following categories of designation are hereby established: indication of source, geographical indication and controlled appellation of origin, in accordance with the conditions of use laid down for each one by the present Law.
CHAPTER II: INDICATION OF SOURCE
Article 3 – The use of an indication of source shall be reserved exclusively for table wines or regional wines. The procedure for determining the geographical area corresponding to an indication of source, conditions of use and control of this category in the regime shall fall within the exclusive competence of the implementing authority of the present Law.
CHAPTER III: GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION
Article 4 – For the purposes of the present Law, “geographical indication” means the name that identifies a product originating from a region, locality or demarcated production area in the national territory no larger than a province or interprovincial zone that is already recognized. There shall be grounds for geographical indication only if the particular quality and characteristics of the product are primarily attributable to its geographical origin.
In the foregoing definition, “product originating” means a product processed and packaged in the geographical area in question, using grapes of Vitis vinifera L. varieties, where these have been entirely produced, picked and packaged in that area.
In cases where the product is processed and/or packaged in a different geographical area from that in which the grapes are produced, the product’s origin shall be specified using the name corresponding to the grape production area together with the name of the geographical area within which the grape production area is located and where the product is processed and/or packaged.
Products shall retain their category of designation when exported in bulk.
“Geographical area” means an area defined by geographical boundaries that are based on administrative or historical boundaries.
“Production area” means one or more pieces of land situated within a geographical area which, owing to the nature of their soil and their environmental situation, are recognized as suitable for the production of high-quality wines.
Article 5 – The use of a geographical indication shall be reserved exclusively for quality wines or wine-based spirits. The procedure for determining the production area of a geographical area, the conditions of use and control shall fall within the exclusive competence of the implementing authority of the present Law.
Article 6 – Wines or wine-based spirits may bear a geographical indication if they comply with the following:
(a) The conditions set out in article 4 of the present Law;
(b) Regulations specifying the relevant production and processing conditions that are in force or that may be issued in the future, in accordance with Law No. 14,878.
Article 7 – Reports, background information and/or studies shall be collected in order to obtain recognition of geographical indications; they shall cover primarily the following information:
1. Evidence that the name of the geographical indication is known at the local and/or national level;
2. The extent to which it is or was possible to demarcate the boundaries of the geographical indication on the basis of easily identifiable geographical data;
3. Evidence that the climate, soil quality, altitude, appearance and other geographical or physical qualities of the region distinguish it from other neighbouring regions and give the wines produced in the area particular characteristics;
4. Identification of the producer or producers that are applying for recognition of the geographical indication;
5. The register of vineyards and establishments located in the area that would be covered by the future geographical indication.
Article 8 – Applications to the implementing authority to register a geographical indication may be made only by:
1. The implementing authority itself;
2. Vine growers or their representative organizations;
3. Processors of wines and wine-based spirits;
4. Organizations engaged in promoting or protecting the interests of persons involved in wine production.
Article 9 – Applications for recognition and registration of a geographical indication from the applicants referred to in article 8, subparagraphs 2, 3 and 4, shall be filed with the implementing authority, together with the reports, background information, studies and other material required by the present Law; the form used for applications may be prepared by the implementing authority itself.
Article 10 – If the initial filing requirements are met, the implementing authority shall publish a proclamation with the application for one day in the Official Gazette and in a newspaper that is widely circulated in the geographical area of origin, at the applicant’s expense.
Article 11 – Opposition. Any natural or legal person claiming a legitimate interest who or which considers that one of the established requirements has not been duly met may oppose the registration in a written notice stating the grounds for opposition, within the 30 days following the date of publication under the previous article.
Article 12 – When the registration of geographical indication is granted, the decision shall be published in the Official Gazette for one day at the applicant’s expense, and the National Directorate of Industrial Property and other national and/or international organizations that so require shall be notified thereof.
CHAPTER IV: CONTROLLED APPELLATION OF ORIGIN
Article 13 – For the purposes of the present Law, “controlled appellation of origin” means the name that identifies a product originating from a region, locality or demarcated production area in the national territory, the particular qualities or characteristics of which are due exclusively or essentially to the geographical environment, including natural and human factors.
In the foregoing definition:
“Product originating” means a product that is obtained from grapes of Vitis vinifera varieties entirely produced in the area in question and that is processed and bottled in that area; this must be expressly certified by the implementing authority.
“Production area” means one or more pieces of land situated within a geographical area which, owing to the nature of their soil and their environmental situation, are recognized as suitable for the production of quality wines.
“Geographical area” means an area defined by geographical boundaries that are based on administrative or historical boundaries.
Article 14 – The use of a controlled appellation of origin shall be reserved exclusively for wines of selected varieties or wine-based spirits of superior quality produced in a qualitatively different demarcated region of the national territory, the raw material for which comes from a demarcated production area and which is processed, matured and bottled in the same production area.
Article 15 – Wines of selected varieties or wine-based spirits of superior quality which, through the influence of the natural environment and human labour, develop particular qualitative characteristics that give them an identity different from other wines or spirits produced even in similar environmental conditions may bear a controlled appellation of origin if:
(a) They fulfil the conditions set out in article 13 of the present Law;
(b) They comply with the regulations specifying the relevant production and processing conditions that are in force or that may be issued in the future, in accordance with Law No. 14,878;
(c) They are made from selected varieties on the list to be compiled for that purpose with technical criteria by the implementing authority.
Article 16 – Entry to and withdrawal from the system of controlled appellation of origin established by this Law shall be voluntary unless, for reasons of failure to meet the relevant requirements, entry to the system is denied or entitlement to inclusion is discontinued.
Article 17 – A proposal to recognize a controlled appellation of origin shall be made at the individual or collective initiative of vine growers and winemakers who carry out their activities within the production area corresponding to the future controlled appellation of origin.
Article 18 – Vine growers and winemakers who wish to obtain recognition of a controlled appellation of origin shall establish a promotion council for the purpose of drafting regulations and carrying out technical studies and reports covering the following:
(a) The region’s historical background and the production area’s geographical boundaries;
(b) The region’s general characteristics, climatic factors, relief and nature and the homogeneity of the vineyards’ plantations and ampelographic composition;
(c) Cultivation systems and cultural practices, whether traditional or adapted to the demarcated area, usual management and pruning methods, plantation density;
(d) Usual and necessary fermentation methods, minimum alcohol content and the conservation time necessary for the wine to acquire its characteristic qualities;
(e) The maximum yield per hectare and grape-to-wine ratio per hectare based on quantitative and qualitative results, and the uniformity of the qualities and characteristics of the wine produced;
(f) Analysis and evaluation of the organoleptic characteristics of the products obtained;
(g) Bottling, rules for the description and presentation of products with controlled appellation of origin;
(h) Identification of the vine grower(s) and winemaker(s) that are applying for recognition of the controlled appellation of origin.
Article 19 – Each controlled appellation of origin shall have a single promotion council consisting of representatives of vine growers and processors that carry out their activities within the production area of the controlled appellation of origin. They shall be legally organized in the form of open, non-profit-making civil society associations legally domiciled in their geographical area and shall operate using the resources specified in their own rules of procedure.
Article 20 – Once the registration of each controlled appellation of origin has been approved, its regulations shall be finalized in accordance with the views of its partners and must contain clauses relating to the following:
(a) Precise demarcation of the production area in which the controlled appellation of origin is located;
(b) The variety/varieties of Vitis vinifera L. cultivated;
(c) The register of vineyards or parts thereof considered suitable for producing wines entitled to the controlled appellation of origin;
(d) The maximum yield per hectare of the variety or varieties intended for the production of wines with controlled appellation of origin;
(e) Cultural practices, management and pruning systems used, control of wine production;
(f) Fermentation methods, maturing system or procedure;
(g) The minimum natural alcohol content of the wines obtained;
(h) Procedures for control, quality evaluation and sensory examination;
(i) Rules for the description and presentation of the product (tags, stamps or labels); (j) Chemical and organoleptic analyses;
(k) The register of vine growers, winemakers and products with controlled appellation of origin;
(l) The infringement and penalty regime;
(m) Other information specific to the area in question.
Article 21 – Once their controlled appellation of origin is recognized, promotion councils shall have the following functions, inter alia:
(a) To guide, monitor and control the production and processing of wines protected by a controlled appellation of origin;
(b) To promote the system and protect the prestige of the controlled appellation of origin in their area;
(c) To maintain and keep continuously updated the registers of vineyards, wine cellars and establishments engaged in the production, processing, bottling and marketing of wines that have obtained entitlement to the controlled appellation of origin;
(d) To maintain and keep continuously updated the registers of grapes produced and picked in vineyards with controlled appellation of origin and to control the wines obtained and the processing, volume, bottling and maturing thereof, in accordance with the rules established in the relevant regulations for the controlled appellation of origin;
(e) To determine for each vintage the production, processing, packing and maturing conditions for wines protected by a controlled appellation of origin and their physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics, in accordance with the season and the requirements of this Law;
(f) To issue certificates of controlled appellation of origin, numbered stamps and other control tools to their partners;
(g) To cooperate in the tasks of establishing and maintaining the vineyard register entrusted to them;
(h) To receive contributions and other appropriate funds as specified in their regulations;
(i) To determine and impose penalties on partners who infringe the regulations governing the appellation of origin.
Article 22 – Applications for recognition and registration of an appellation of origin shall be filed with the implementing authority, together with the reports, background information, studies and other material required by the present Law in order that the implementing authority may grant the appellation.
Article 23 – On official orders or at the request of a party, if one of the requirements indicated in the application is considered not to have been duly met, the applicant shall be notified so that he or she may rectify the irregularities within 15 days of notification. If the applicant does not respond by the deadline or does not meet the requirements, registration shall be refused. If the irregularities are rectified, the application shall continue to be processed in accordance with the provisions of the previous articles.
Article 24 – The aforementioned application and background information shall be sent by the implementing authority within 10 days of receipt to the National Council for Appellation of Origin of Wines and Wine-based Spirits for study and review. The Council shall rule on the application within 90 days of receiving it, provided that no objections have been filed.
Article 25 – If the initial filing requirements have been met, the implementing authority shall publish a proclamation with the application for one day in the Official Gazette and in a newspaper that is widely circulated in the geographical area of origin, at the applicant’s expense.
Article 26 – Opposition. Any natural or legal person claiming a legitimate interest who or which considers that one of the established requirements has not been duly met may oppose the registration in a written notice stating the grounds for opposition, within the 30 days following the date of publication under the previous article.
Article 27 – The applicant shall be informed of the objections filed and shall be given 30 days to respond to them, limit the scope of the application or withdraw it. When the applicant responds or if the deadline expires without the applicant having responded and/or after the evidence offered is produced and deemed admissible and the relevant statements have been submitted, the case shall be referred to the National Council so that it may rule on the objection filed and consequently issue a decision.
Article 28 – When the registration of a controlled appellation of origin is granted, the decision shall be published in the Official Gazette for one day at the applicant’s expense, and the National Directorate of Industrial Property and any other national and/or international organization that so requires shall be notified thereof.
CHAPTER V: PROTECTION OF INDICATIONS OF SOURCE, GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS AND CONTROLLED APPELLATIONS OF ORIGIN – SCOPE AND OBLIGATIONS
Article 29 – The State, through the implementing authority of this Law and in order to ensure its protection, shall confer on users the right to use the names of the geographical or production areas used for an indication of source, geographical indication or controlled appellation of origin, in accordance with the conditions established for each of these and the regulations and other supplementary rules that may be issued on the basis thereof.
Article 30 – The use of an indication of source, geographical indication or controlled appellation of origin shall be reserved exclusively for wines and wine-based spirits as defined under Law No. 14,878. Only natural or legal persons who or which have registered their vineyards and/or facilities in the areas specified for that purpose may produce grapes intended for the production of wines and/or wine-based spirits that are protected by the present Law.
Article 31 – Establishments that are included in the registers of indications of source, geographical indications and controlled appellations of origin for the purpose of using those indications or appellations may produce other wine-based products that are not entitled to bear them, provided that such products are accurately identified, can be controlled in accordance with the regulations in force and are entirely physically separated from products protected by this Law.
Article 32 – The following may not be registered as indications of source, geographical indications or controlled appellations of origin:
(a) Generic names of goods, meaning those names which, through their use, have become the common names of the goods with which the general public identifies them in the country of origin;
(b) Names of grape varieties;
(c) Registered trademarks identifying wine products.
Article 33 – The implementing authority of the present Law shall take all the necessary legal measures to protect registered indications of source, geographical indications and controlled appellations of origin with a view to preventing any improper use thereof that could mislead or deceive the consumer.
Article 34 – For the purposes of the previous article, the use of registered indications of source, geographical indications and controlled appellations of origin is prohibited in the following cases:
(a) For the designation of wines and wine-based spirits that do not originate from the place to which they refer or do not conform to the terms under which they were registered;
(b) For the purpose of taking advantage of the renown already acquired by protected wines and undermining or harming it as a result;
(c) Where usurpation, imitation or evocation is involved, even if the true origin is indicated, and even if the indication of source, geographical indication or appellation of origin is accompanied by qualifications such as “class”, “make”, “type”, “style”, or other similar expressions or translations thereof;
(d) For any other type of false or deceptive indication as to the source, origin, nature or essential characteristics of wine products;
(e) For any other practice that may mislead consumers as to the real origin of the product or that involves unfair competition.
The aforementioned prohibitions shall apply to the designation of the products in question on containers, labels and packaging, in registers and documentation, whether official or commercial, and in advertising.
CHAPTER VI: RIGHTS
Article 35 – Wines and wine-based spirits covered by the regime established by this Law shall enjoy the following benefits:
The right of exclusivity and legal protection in the use of the duly registered indication of source, geographical indication or controlled appellation of origin;
The right to use the abbreviations, logos, tags and labels licensed by the implementing authority for identification;
Certification of authenticity and quality guarantee issued by the implementing authority.
CHAPTER VII: IMPLEMENTING AUTHORITY
Article 36 – The implementing authority for this Law shall be the Secretariat for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Works and Utilities, through the National Institute of Winemaking, with jurisdiction throughout the national territory of Argentina.
Article 37 – The National Institute of Winemaking shall act as the technical and administrative body for the system of appellation of origin of wines and wine-based spirits. In addition to the functions within its competence, it shall be responsible for the implementation of the present Law and its regulations and of decisions issued for that purpose.
Article 38 – In respect of this Law, the implementing authority shall have the following specific responsibilities:
(a) To advise on the system of appellation of origin of wines and wine-based spirits and to promote its implementation as a mark of quality;
(b) To adopt the measures necessary for improved operation of the system;
(c) To demarcate and recognize geographical areas and production areas for each category in the designation system established by the present Law, marking out the boundaries of such areas and individualizing the expressions to be used to describe them. All geographical areas and production areas shall be recognized by this Law only from the time at which their boundaries are determined by the implementing authority;
(d) To maintain the National Register of indications of source, geographical indications and controlled appellations of origin that are recognized and protected and of products and producers covered by the system of appellation of origin of wines and wine-based spirits, in the terms established by this Law and its regulations;
(e) To coordinate services for the inspection, analysis and tasting of wines and wine- based spirits subject to this regime, and also control and verification at vineyards, wine cellars and other establishments of the production and processing conditions specified in each case by the relevant regulations and supplementary rules;
(f) To process relevant indictments and impose the penalties provided for in the present Law;
(g) To issue certificates of registration and approval to entitled persons that apply for them;
(h) To submit to the relevant international organizations notifications of and requests for the registration of indications of source, geographical indications and controlled appellations of origin recognized and protected at the national level, in accordance with the international agreements and treaties in force in that regard;
(i) To promote the conclusion of bilateral and/or multilateral agreements, based on the principles of reciprocity and non-discrimination, for the recognition, protection and registration of indications of source, geographical indications and controlled appellations of origin, whether national or foreign;
(j) To serve as a national representative to the relevant international organizations.
Article 39 – The expenses incurred by the implementing authority in the performance of its functions shall be paid from the following sources:
(a) The authority’s own funds;
(b) Contributions, bequests and/or gifts from financial assistance furnished by public or private persons with an interest in the operation of the system;
(c) Fines imposed for infringements of the law relating to winemaking;
(d) Fees received for the issuance of certificates and other services arising from the implementation of the system.
CHAPTER VIII: THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR APPELLATION OF ORIGIN OF WINES AND WINE-BASED SPIRITS
Article 40 – The National Council for Appellation of Origin of Wines and Wine-based Spirits is hereby established. It shall function as an honorary permanent advisory body which must be consulted on relevant matters, is independent within the organizational structure of the implementing authority and has the competence attributed to it by the present Law.
Article 41 – Functions. The National Council for Appellation of Origin of Wines and Wine-based Spirits shall be competent:
(a) To contribute to the demarcation of geographical areas and production areas for controlled appellations of origin;
(b) To verify the National Register of controlled appellations of origin that are recognized and protected and of products and producers covered by the system of appellation of origin of wines and wine-based spirits, in accordance with the terms established by this Law and its regulations, to record the requirements for each case and to make observations to the implementing authority;
(c) To support and promote the system and the establishment of promotion councils for each controlled appellation of origin, providing technical and legal support with regard to all aspects of the implementation of this Law and the regulations issued on the basis of it;
(d) To monitor the decisions and actions of the promotion councils of recognized controlled appellations of origin and/or users of the system and to propose cancellation of the use of a controlled appellation of origin, where the rules established by this Law and its regulations are not being complied with;
(e) To contribute to the management of bilateral and/or multilateral agreements, based on the principles of reciprocity and non-discrimination, for the recognition, protection and registration of geographical indications and controlled appellations of origin, whether national or foreign;
(f) To perform any other function determined by the implementing authority or the regulatory decree of this Law;
(g) To act as advisor, conciliator and/or mediator in cases of conflict or disagreement between the promotion councils for controlled appellations of origin.
Article 42 – Membership and operation. The membership and operation of the National Council for Appellation of Origin of Wines and Wine-based Spirits shall be subject to the regulations issued, as appropriate, by the implementing authority, which shall provide, inter alia, for the following to be represented in its membership:
1. The executives of the wine-producing provinces included in the system;
2. Higher education institutions, universities, public and private entities and/or agencies with an interest in the operation of the system and associated with the winemaking industry, which may contribute to research on and promotion and implementation of the system;
3. The promotion councils for the controlled appellations of origin that belong to the system.
Article 43 – The National Council for Appellation of Origin of Wines and Wine-based Spirits shall be led by a president and a vice-president.
The president and the vice-president shall be elected from among the representatives of the promotion councils for the controlled appellations of origin belonging to the system. The other offices established by the regulations shall be held by anyone elected from among the members, irrespective of the sector to which they belong; the president shall be the legal representative, and the vice-representative shall take the place of the president when the latter is absent or disabled.
All members shall remain in office for two years and may be re-elected.
All functions shall be performed on an honorary basis.
CHAPTER IX: INFRINGEMENTS AND PENALTIES
Article 44 – Infringements of the present Law, the indication of source regime or the geographical indication regime, and also of the regulations for controlled appellations of origin or the decisions of their councils, committed by natural or legal persons who or which use the system and are included in the relevant council’s registers, shall be classified as follows for the purposes of punishment:
(a) “Minor infringements” means inaccuracies in compulsory statements or register entries, failure to issue communications, failure to meet deadlines and, in general, breaches of similar rules;
(b) “Infringements in the production and/or processing of covered products” means infringements relating to the grape production and the processing of products covered by this regime;
(c) “Infringements in the use of geographical names” means infringements relating to the use of names, symbols and emblems characteristic of an indication of source, geographical indication or controlled appellation of origin on other products which do not have such indication or appellation or which, if they do have such indication or appellation, may harm their image or the regime.
Article 45 – In respect of the minor infringements and infringements described in the previous article, the description of which shall be supplemented by the regulations to be issued, the implementing authority shall be authorized to impose one or more of the following penalties:
(a) A fine of up to 50 times the value of the total volume of the product on the market at the time of the infringement;
(b) Confiscation of the infringing products;
(c) Temporary suspension of the use of the controlled appellation of origin, indication of source or geographical indication;
(d) Permanent cancellation of the use of the controlled appellation of origin, indication of source or geographical indication, which shall be announced in a mass-circulation national newspaper and in the Official Gazette for one day.
During administrative proceedings, the infringing goods may be placed under preventive seizure and/or confiscated. The final decision and, where applicable, the penalty, shall be handed down by the implementing authority.
Article 46 – The implementing authority may also impose the penalties provided for in the previous article on natural or legal persons not registered in the system, in the following cases:
(a) Improper use of an appellation of origin, indication of source or geographical indication;
(b) The use of trade names, trademarks, expressions, signs or emblems which, because of their graphic or phonetic identity with or similarity to protected names or signs and emblems characteristic of an appellation of origin, indication of source or geographical indication, may mislead or confuse as to the nature or origin of the products in question;
(c) Improper use of protected geographical names on labels or tags, in trade documents or product promotional material, even if they are accompanied by the terms “type”, “style”, “variety”, “bottled in…”, etc., that may confuse the consumer as to the origin of the products.
Article 47 – In the case of a repeat infringement or where the products are intended for export, the fines provided for in article 45 shall be doubled. If a repeat infringer commits another infringement, the fines may be increased to three times the amount that would have been applied to the first infringement.
Article 48 – In all cases where infringements or presumed infringements of this Law or its regulations or of decisions issued are committed by persons registered in the system, administrative proceedings shall be instituted, in which the right of defence of the accused person or persons shall be guaranteed.
If, during the proceedings, evidence emerges of presumed infringements which the prosecuting authority is not competent to judge, that authority shall refer the case to the appropriate body and, if necessary, to the courts.
Article 49 – Decisions to impose penalties shall be appealable before the federal court that has jurisdiction over the location of the implementing authority’s office within 15 court working days of notification of the penalty. The appeal shall not suspend enforcement of the decision, without prejudice to the possible application of article 12, paragraph 2, of Law No. 19,549.
CHAPTER X: SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
Article 50 – Once the present Law has been promulgated with enactment or corrections, as indicated in the regulations, the implementing authority shall, for the purpose of complying with the international law in force, draft the basic register of initial geographical areas and production areas which, because of their suitability for grape production, may lay claim to a controlled appellation of origin or a geographical indication. The list shall be published in the Official Gazette and communicated to entities engaged in such matters at both the national and the international levels. The list shall be expanded as the implementing authority authorizes new controlled appellations of origin and geographical indications that are not in the initial register.
Article 51 – Wines made from discarded grapes for fresh consumption, fancy wine-based or grape-based drinks, unfermented grape juices, aromatized products and gasified wines, and wines made of grapes from different controlled appellations of origin or geographical indications may not use a geographical indication or a controlled appellation of origin in their description or presentation.
Article 52 – Where a wine with a geographical indication has achieved renown and public recognition on the domestic and/or foreign market and is produced under strict quality control, its producers may institute proceedings to obtain its recognition and registration as a controlled appellation of origin, provided that it meets the requirements of this Law to that effect.
Article 53 – Where a council for appellation of origin exists prior to the entry into force of this Law, and provided that it meets the requirements established by this Law, its authorities may apply directly for its recognition and registration.
Article 54 – In addition to the provisions of the present Law, Laws No. 19,549, 22,362 and 22,802 shall serve as implementing regulations insofar as they are relevant.
Article 55 – The Executive shall issue regulations for the present Law within 180 days.
Article 56 – This Law shall be transmitted to the Executive.
DONE at the meeting hall of the Argentine Congress in Buenos Aires on 15 September 1999.
Registered under No. 25,163.
ALBERTO R. PIERRI – EDUARDO MENEM – Esther H. Pereyra Arandia de Perez Pardo – Juan C. Oyarzto
Courtesy translation provided by WIPO, © 2011
