Wine Australia axes wine export panel

Wine Australia has axed its controversial export approval panel with immediate effect, replacing it with a permanent company audit regime. The changes are the result of a consultation by Wine Australia (formerly the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation), the Government statutory authority responsible for wine export compliance and regulation, a statement released yesterday says. Exporters will no longer have to submit their wines for approval but they will be licensed and will be subject to audit, and must provide wine for comprehensive testing as required, reports Decanter.