THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91 of 10 June 1991 laying down general rules on the definition, description and presentation of aromatized wines, aromatized-based drinks and aromatized wine-product cocktails, as amended by Regulation (EEC) No 3279/92, and in particular the first sub-indent of the third indent of Article 2 (1) (a) and the fourth indent of Article 2 (1) (b) thereof,

Whereas the use of flavouring substances identical to natural flavouring substances and the addition of alcohol in the production of certain aromatized drinks should be permitted under certain circumstances in particular in order to conform to the traditions and customs of the various regions of the Community;

Whereas this Regulation must apply without prejudice to the transitional provisions of Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3664/91 of 16 December 1991 laying down transitional measures for aromatized wines, aromatized wine-based drinks and aromatized wine-product cocktails, as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 1791/93; whereas these transitional measures apply until 16 December 1993;

Whereas the measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Implementation Committee for Aromatized wines, Aromatized Wine-based drinks and Aromatized Wine-product Cocktails,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: