Production of Beverage Alcohol Products

Producers of distilled spirits, wine and malt beverages are required to file an application and bond with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) before starting business. Furthermore, persons desiring to produce beverage and non-beverage alcohol products must also submit environmental information to ATF.

All producers of beverage alcohol products are required to pay Special Occupational Tax. 

Most States also require licenses, registrations and/or bonds from beverage alcohol producers. 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.

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Wholesalers and "Custom Crushers"

Every person desiring to purchase distilled spirits, wine or malt beverages at wholesale must obtain a basic permit as a wholesaler dealer from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) before starting business.

Individuals who enter into agreements with wineries to have their grapes processed into wine (custom crushers) must also qualify as wholesale dealers with ATF.

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

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Labels and Formulas

Labels

Each label on wines of 7 percent or more alcohol by volume, all distilled spirits and all malt beverages must have a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) (ATF F5100.31) approved by ATF. This applies to both domestic as well as imported products. ATF regulations require certain mandatory information appear on each label and that labels do not contain any "prohibited statements." Distinctive bottles used to package distilled spirits products must also be approved by ATF before use. Application for approval of distinctive liquor bottles are made on COLA forms F5100.31.

Importers and bottlers must also comply with State requirements. Interested individuals can contact the various State Beverage Alcohol Control authorities by using links available on this site.

Formulas

Distilled spirits and wines containing certified or non-certified colors or flavors are required to be produced with a formula approved by ATF. Malt beverages containing certified or non-certified colors or flavors are required to be produced with a statement of process approved by ATF. Also, some sparkling wines and wine products made from agricultural products other than fruit or made with sugar and/or water in excess of the limitations for standard wine must also be produced under an ATF approved formula.