The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Exporting canned drinks to EU markets requires several key compliance steps beyond UK requirements. **Packaging & Labelling:** - **No duty stamps required** on cans for EU export (unlike bottles) - **EU address** must be displayed on packaging - **Bespoke stickering** is needed for Spanish/Ibiza-specific requirements to clear customs - **Local language labelling** is essential (e.g., Spanish for Spain) **Ingredients & Nutritional Information:** - Ingredients lists are **not currently mandatory** for alcoholic products in EU regulations, though EU countries are moving towards making this a requirement - Members recommend **taking a proactive approach** by listing ingredients and nutritional values anyway, in the local language, to future-proof compliance and aid market acceptance **Certificates of Analysis (for spirits):** - **Brewlab** — provides ABV-only analysis certificates at £28 + VAT, with 1–5 working day turnaround - **Campden BRI lab** — alternative option, though slower (circa 2 weeks for results) - Both labs provide the certificates needed for export **Critical Warnings:** - Exporting to Spain/Ibiza is **very difficult and time-consuming** — members report it took 2+ years and ultimately came to nothing despite significant effort - You **must have both a committed importer and distributor in Spain** before attempting export; without these, it is "virtually impossible" - Label compliance issues are a major blocker; customs clearance depends heavily on correct stickering and labelling - Members strongly advise getting these partners in place and sorted before investing time in the process