Richard Gahagan winery compliance

Exporting Beverage Alcohol Products

Every person desiring to export beverage alcohol products must be qualified as a producer or wholesaler of distilled spirits, wine or malt beverages, as the case may be. Producers can export products which they produce. Exporters, other than producers, are required to obtain a Wholesaler's Basic Permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) before starting business. Exporters are required to pay Special Occupational Tax as retail dealers ($250.00).

The European Union and other trading partners require ATF certified laboratories perform analyses for exported wine and spirits products. For a list of ATF certified laboratories click here.

For links to various helpful government web sites offering export assistance please click here.

The requirements of the various State and local authorities must also be met. Interested individuals can contact the various State Beverage Alcohol Control authorities by using links available on this site.

For downloadable links to ATF's export circulars and procedures click here.

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Importing Beverage Alcohol Products

Persons desiring to import beverage alcohol products into the United States must obtain an Importer's Basic Permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Importers of beverage alcohol products are required to pay Special Occupational Tax as wholesalers ($500.00).

Alcoholic beverages imported into the United States for resale, or other commercial purposes, must conform to the labeling regulations of the United States. All importers must obtain a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) prior to removing their products from U.S. Customs custody and pay excise tax and duty. Some imported products require laboratory analysis and/or pre-import approval prior to importation and submission of the label for consideration by ATF.

Also, the requirements of the various states in which you wish to do business must also be complied with. Interested individuals can contact the various State Beverage Alcohol Control authorities by using links available on this site.

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