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 »
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 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
In 2013, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“) published TTB Ruling 2013-2 which discusses the use of a statement of average analysis and a Serving Facts statement on alcohol beverages. The statements are a standardized format used to provide consumers with essential information on alcohol beverage servings on the product’s label. Although
The TTB Serving Facts Panel: A Comprehensive Guide Read More »
Navigating the process of obtaining a federal basic permit issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“) can be a daunting task. With stories of lengthy application times, numerous questions from the TTB, and even outright rejections, it’s understandable why applicants might feel overwhelmed. However, with proper preparation and thorough documentation, these
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On November 1st, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“) published Industry Circular 2024-1 which announced a new guidance for alcohol beverages with respect to social media. The new circular modifies and supersedes an earlier circular from 2022 (Industry Circular 2022-2). The TTB treats content posted on social media by industry members as
What Are the Differences Between a TTB Brewery and a Brewpub? At Lindsey Zahn P.C., we frequently receive questions from clients about the distinction between a brewery and brewpub with respect to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB“). In the alcohol beverage world, it is a very common misconception for folks to
What Are the Differences Between a TTB Brewery and a Brewpub? Read More »