The Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/573, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 18 March 2026 and entering into force on 17 March 2026, establishes the official cancellation of the registration in the register of the protected geographical indication (PGI) Colli del Sangro. This measure, adopted by the European Commission, has direct effect in all EU Member States, including Spain, and immediately affects the commercial chain of wines that until now were protected under this Italian denomination.
What does this regulation establish?
The regulation cancels the registration in the Community register of the IGP Colli del Sangro, a wine geographical designation of Italian origin. Until the date of entry into force, this protected geographical indication granted to producers covered by it the right to market their wines under that denomination with the protection offered by the European regulatory framework.
With the cancellation, that Community protection disappears. This means that:
- The denomination Colli del Sangro is no longer protected as a PGI in the European market.
- Producers can no longer invoke this protection to market their products under that denomination.
- Labeling and commercial communications that reference this PGI must be reviewed and adapted.
It is important to note that, as this is a European implementing regulation, it does not require national transposition: its application is immediate and direct in Spain and in the rest of the Member States.
Who is affected and how?
Although the measure originates in the field of Italian wine production, its scope extends to all operators in the European market who work with these wines. In the case of Spain, the main affected parties are:
- Spanish importers of wines with the Colli del Sangro denomination: they must verify that the labeling of the products they market does not include references to this cancelled PGI.
- Distributors and wholesalers that have wines under this denomination in their catalog: they must review their stock, commercial materials and communications to customers.
- Hospitality establishments and retail outlets that offer these wines on their menu or in store: although they are not the primary recipients of the regulation, it is advisable that they be informed to avoid incorrect references in their menus or price labels.
For Italian producers directly linked to this PGI, the impact is even more direct, as it affects the core of their commercialization model and positioning in the European market.
In all cases, the key element is the review of labeling and any commercial communication material that references the PGI Colli del Sangro, since its use no longer has Community regulatory support.
What should you do to adapt?
If your business activity is related to the import, distribution or marketing of wines that used the Colli del Sangro denomination, these are the steps you should consider:
- Audit your current labeling: Review all labels, back labels and packaging materials of the affected products to identify references to this PGI.
- Update your commercial communications: Catalogs, product sheets, websites, social media and any other medium where the mention of the PGI Colli del Sangro appears must be updated.
- Review your contracts with suppliers: If you have commercial agreements that expressly reference this geographical indication, it may be necessary to review or update them.
- Inform your sales team: People in charge of sales and customer service must be aware of this change to avoid providing incorrect information to buyers or consumers.
- Consult the original regulation: To learn the specific details about adaptation deadlines, consequences of non-compliance or other specific obligations, consult the original regulation or seek advice from a qualified professional.
Since the regulation has direct effect from 17 March 2026, adaptation must be addressed as quickly as possible to ensure regulatory compliance.
Official source
You can consult the full text of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/573 in the Official Journal of the European Union through the following link: Consult full regulation from official source
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions regarding your situation, consult a qualified professional. Original source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202600573
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