Importing sake into the United States is a multi-step process involving regulatory requirements from multiple government agencies, including the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), and the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The process ensures that the sake complies with U.S. laws on labeling, packaging, taxes, and […]
Importing unique spirits and liquors that aren’t yet “mainstream” in the United States can be a rewarding business venture, as these products often offer something distinct to the market. However, the process of importing liquors like cachaça, shochu, raki, pisco, baijiu, chinotto, cynar, palenque, and marañón can come with a series of challenges. This high-level
Importing Unique Spirits & Liquors into the U.S.: A Guide for Importers Read More »
In recent years, alcohol-infused foods—such as rum cakes, alcohol ice cream, and even beer-infused chocolates—have gained popularity among consumers. These innovative products offer a unique culinary experience, combining the flavors of alcohol beverages with delicious food items. However, businesses producing these products must navigate a complex web of federal and state laws, regulations, and compliance
Navigating the Complexities of Alcohol-Infused Foods: Laws and Regulations Read More »
The Federal Alcohol Administration Act (“FAA Act”) is a cornerstone piece of legislation that regulates the production, distribution, and labeling of alcohol beverages in the United States. Passed in 1935, the FAA Act is designed to promote fair trade, protect consumers, and ensure that the alcohol industry operates with transparency and accountability. Managed by the
A Comprehensive Overview of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (“FAA Act”) Read More »
For wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the United States, obtaining an Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“) permit is a critical step in ensuring that your business operates legally and in compliance with federal regulations. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your operations, understanding what a TTB permit is, how it works,
What is a TTB Permit? A Comprehensive Guide for Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries Read More »
Submitting an application for an Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“) permit can be a complicated process, and even minor errors can lead to delays, rejections, or additional scrutiny. For alcohol producers such as wineries, breweries, and distilleries, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of your application is critical. Here are some of the
What are the Most Common Mistakes on A TTB Permit Application? Read More »
As alcohol beverage producers—whether brewers, wineries, or distillers—look for cost-effective and efficient ways to scale their operations, co-packing, custom crush, and contract production arrangements provide valuable solutions. These outsourcing options allow producers to leverage third-party expertise and facilities while retaining control over their brand and product. This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of how
As the alcohol beverage industry continues to grow and evolve, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of significant legal developments and trends. For wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries, and meaderies, understanding the key legal changes and emerging issues is crucial to staying compliant and competitive. In this year-in-review post, we highlight some of the
2024 Year in Review: Key Legal Trends in the Alcohol Beverage Industry Read More »
In the alcohol beverage industry, a common arrangement that many producers consider is the alternating proprietorship. This legal structure allows multiple beverage producers to operate out of the same facility while maintaining their independent businesses. For those in the wine, beer, spirits, sake, hard cider, or mead industries, understanding how an alternating proprietorship works, the
When it comes to running a business in the alcohol beverage industry—whether you own a winery, brewery, or distillery—excise taxes are an essential aspect of your operations. These taxes can have a significant impact on your pricing, profitability, and compliance. Understanding how excise taxes work and what laws apply is crucial for staying compliant and