Explanatory note

update the definition of “the Commissioners” in regulation 2(1) of the 2001 Regulations following the vesting of functions previously exercisable by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise in the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs (regulation 2(2));

update references to European Community legislation by making changes to the definitions in the 2001 Regulations (regulation 2(3) and (4)), substituting a new Schedule 1 to the 2001 Regulations (regulation 2(5) and Schedule 1) and updating Parts III and Part V of Schedule 2 to the 2001 Regulations (regulation 2(6)(a) and (b) and Schedule 2);

correct an error in item 15 of the table set out in Part V of Schedule 2 to the 2001 Regulations (regulation 2(6)(c));

add Gamay and Gewurztraminer to the list of vine varieties that may be used in the production of wines in England and Northern Ireland (regulation 2(7)); and

make changes to the geographical indications that may be used for the designation of regional wines by substituting a new Schedule 7 to the 2001 Regulations which adds Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Wiltshire to the list of names of geographical units that may be used to describe regional wines produced in those units (regulation 2(8) and Schedule 3).