EU exempts Japanese sake from packaging recycling rules

Requirement covering sake bottles would amount to non-tariff barrier, Tokyo argued

20240305N Japan sake

Sake bottles have different shapes than wine bottles, making them difficult to reuse in Europe. (Photo by Yo Inoue)

TAKASHI TSUJI, Nikkei staff writer

BRUSSELS -- European Union officials have cleared Japanese sake from a new set of regulations on food packaging that would have impeded exports to the common market.

EU members reached a broad agreement on draft rules Monday. The regulations will require businesses that make or sell alcohol to put at least 10% of their products in reusable or refillable containers.

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