FTA fix: Liquor industry red flags UK maturation norms

Non-tariff limit in the minimum maturation (ageing) clause imposed by the UK government (for scotch and whisky) remains unaddressed in the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA), said liquor industry executives, noting that the issue continues to remain a key concern.

- ANEEKA CHATTERJEE

According to the UK and European Union (EU) regulations, a spirit must be matured for a minimum of three years in wooden casks to be legally defined and sold as "whisky." However, Indian whisky producers argue that India's hotter, tropical climate accelerates the maturation process to less than a year. This also leads to higher alcohol evaporation in casks compared with Scotland but Indian players have to adhere to the three-year rule.