Importers

Importing alcohol into the U.S. can generate significant permitting and compliance issues. Products may not be properly formulated or labeled for the U.S. market. Importers may struggle with the daunting federal rules and regulations governing alcohol beverages that could create material issues during the importation process.

From representing importers before the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) to providing long-term compliance support, Lindsey Zahn P.C. regularly helps alcohol beverage importers navigate complex compliance issues.

Importers: Services

Whether you’re a first-time importer or are an established business seeking guidance, Lindsey Zahn P.C. is ready to provide meaningful, practical advice.  Among many other services, the firm can assist you with the following:

• Determine the most appropriate federal TTB permit(s) for your business
• Draft and file the federal basic permit application with the TTB 
• Update and amend TTB licenses
• Draft and file state license applications
• Update and amend state licenses
• Draft and submit formulas to the TTB for products that require formulation
• Determine which federal agency that will regulate the product for labeling purposes 
• Review proposed labels for compliance with federal regulations
• Represent you before the TTB during the COLA submission process
• Review importation agreements for compliance issues
• Draft use-up requests for wines, beers, and spirits of imported products whose labels may not comply with federal regulations (due to first-time export to the U.S.)
• Apply for accelerated processing from TTB for formulations and/or label applications
• Determine which products require sample analysis for submission to the TTB Beverage Alcohol Laboratory
• Draft and submit COLA waiver requests to TTB for importations of samples for trade shows, order solicitations, etc.
• Advise on formula adoption and compose formal request to transfer formulas from one company to another
• Provide ongoing legal compliance guidance

Recent Representations

Some recent representations include: 

• Assisted an alcohol beverage importer with corporate change; determined proper permit and license filing requirements
• Reviewed proposed wine labels for compliance with federal wine labeling regulations for an importer of wine
• Drafted importation agreements and advised on Primary Source compliance at state levels

For more information about how Lindsey Zahn P.C. can help your company, please contact us at lindsey@zahnlawpc.com.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.