
Article 1 
This Directive concerns the indication of the actual alcoholic strength by volume in the labelling of beverages containing more than 1,2 % by volume of alcohol other than those classified under headings No 22.04 and 22.05 of the Common Customs Tariff.
Article 2 

1. Alcoholic strength shall be determined at 20 o C.
2. The figure for alcoholic strength shall be given to not more than one decimal place. It shall be followed by the symbol ‘% vol.’ and may be preceded by the word ‘alcohol’ or the abbreviation ‘alc.’.
Article 3 

1. The positive and negative tolerances allowed in respect of the indication of the alcoholic strength by volume shall be as follows, expressed in absolute values:
(a) Beverages not specified below:0,3 % vol.;
(b) Beers having an alcoholic strength not exceeding 5,5 % vol.; beverages classified under subheading 22.07 B II of the Common Customs Tariff and made from grapes:0,5 % vol.;
(c) Beers having an alcoholic strength exceeding 5,5 % vol.; beverages classified under subheading 22.07 B I of the Common Customs Tariff and made from grapes; ciders, perries, fruit wines and the like, obtained from fruits other than grapes, whether or not semi-sparkling or sparkling; beverages based on fermented honey:1 % vol.;
(d) Beverages containing macerated fruit or parts of plants:1,5 % vol.
2. The tolerances set out in paragraph 1 shall apply without prejudice to the tolerances deriving from the method of analysis used for determining the alcoholic strength.
Article 4 

1. Member States shall, where necessary, amend their legislation to comply with this Directive and shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof; legislation thus amended shall be applied in such a manner as to:
— permit trade in products which comply with this Directive by 1 May 1988 at the latest,
— prohibit trade in products which do not comply with this Directive as from 1 May 1989.
2. However, trade in beverages which do not comply with this Directive, labelled before the date in the second indent of paragraph 1, shall be permitted until stocks are exhausted.
Article 5 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 15 April 1987.
For the Commission
COCKFIELD
Vice-President