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Table 1 Summary of the tolerances for indication of alcoholic strength by volume in the labelling of alcoholic beverages allowed by European Union Laws

From: Rapid and mobile determination of alcoholic strength in wine, beer and spirits using a flow-through infrared sensor

Beverage Group

Tolerance allowed in the indication of the alcoholic strength (± % vol)

Legal Basis

Beers (not exceeding 5.5% vol)

0.5

Commission directive 87/250/EC

Beers (exceeding 5.5% vol), ciders, perries, fruit wines and similar beverages

1.0

Commission directive 87/250/EC

Wine

0.5

Commission directive

607/2009/EC

Wine stored in bottles for more than three years, sparkling wine, semi-sparkling wine

0.8

Commission directive

607/2009/EC

Beverages containing macerated fruit or parts of plants

1.5

Commission directive 87/250/EC

Spirits, beverages not specified otherwise (e.g., alcopops)

0.3

Commission directive 87/250/EC