The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) Strengthens Protection of Scotch in Spain

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has signed a General Protocol for Action with the Spanish Civil Guard, a law enforcement body with a remit covering customs duties and tax matters throughout Spain. The agreement will help to further strengthen the protection of Scotch Whisky in Spain, and is the first arrangement of its kind with a national enforcement authority outside the UK. The protocol, co-signed by SWA Chief Executive Karen Betts and General Director of the Civil Guard María Gámez Gámez, sets out a process for working together to prevent the illegal marketing and sale of spirit drinks in Spain. Provision is included for suspect samples from Spain to be sent to Scotland for testing by the Scotch Whisky Research Institute. It also includes a provision for training members of the Civil Guard by the SWA’s legal team. The SWA has worked closely with the Civil Guard for a number of years; this protocol now formalizes arrangements between the organizations.