The Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) is the official regulatory body responsible for overseeing the production, certification, and quality control of tequila. It operates under Mexican law and works to ensure that tequila is produced according to the standards defined by the Mexican government and recognized internationally.
Key Functions of the CRT:
- Certification and Compliance: The CRT certifies that tequila producers comply with the Official Mexican Standard (NOM) for tequila, which outlines specific criteria for production, including the types of agave that can be used, production methods, and geographical indications. This certification is necessary for tequila to be legally labelled and sold as such, both in Mexico and internationally.
- Quality Control: The CRT monitors the quality of tequila throughout its production process. This includes verifying that the alcohol content, labeling, and other characteristics meet the defined standards.
- Geographical Indication Protection: Tequila is a product with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), meaning it can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico. The CRT ensures that only tequila produced in these authorised regions (mainly the state of Jalisco and specific areas in other states) can be labelled as “tequila.”
- International Representation and Advocacy: The CRT represents the interests of the tequila industry on a global scale, working to protect the tequila designation in international markets. This includes fighting against counterfeit or mislabelled products that do not meet the official standards.
- Promotion and Education: The CRT also plays a role in promoting tequila and educating consumers and producers about the product, its cultural significance, and the legal requirements for its production and sale.
For more information, you can visit the official website of the CRT: www.crt.org.mx
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