Parliament decides: alcohol register to cease operations on 1 November 2026

On 16 June, the Riigikogu approved amendments on third reading that will close Estonia's state register of alcoholic products on 1 November 2026. The change aims to reduce administrative burden on businesses and simplify bringing new products to market. The legislative initiative now goes to the president for proclamation.

On 16 June, the Riigikogu approved amendments on third and final reading that will close Estonia's state register of alcoholic products on 1 November 2026. Fifty-three MPs voted in favour; none voted against or abstained.

What changes for businesses?

After the law comes into force, manufacturers and importers will no longer need to register alcoholic products in a dedicated register before selling them. If a product meets EU and Estonian safety requirements, it can be brought to market immediately. Along with this, several reporting-related obligations will disappear, businesses will no longer need to submit laboratory test reports or wine product movement reports.

The government, which submitted the bill to parliament in April, estimates that the reform will reduce bureaucracy for both the private sector and the state. The Agricultural and Food Board (PTA) will no longer need to maintain the register, and freed-up resources can be directed towards supervisory activities.

Data to be preserved for ten years

The closing of the register does not mean data will be destroyed. All registration documents will be transferred to the PTA archives, where they will be kept for ten years.

Until now, the register was also useful for ordinary citizens: through public search, anyone could quickly verify the legality and origin of an alcoholic drink purchased, its exact composition, actual alcohol content, country of origin, and the name of the official importer.

Criticism and support

Parliament also heard criticism. Social Democratic Party MP Tanel Kiik said that changes to alcohol policy were being adopted without adequately taking into account the views of health and addiction prevention specialists. According to him, the reform was primarily discussed with representatives of the alcohol industry during its preparation, while public health organisations were practically excluded from the debate.

Business associations supported the elimination of the register. Positive opinions were submitted by the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, and the Association of Alcohol Producers and Importers.

Idea dates back to the 1990s

The register, which has operated since 1994, has been considered for closure before. Just under eight years ago, the agricultural ministry raised the question of winding up the register, but at that time the idea did not come to fruition. This time, the legislative process completed the amendment; the law will now be sent to the president for proclamation.