Monitor Thy Drink: Alcohol Import Regulations Under the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau)
The final quarter of the year is the alcohol industry’s busiest period, accounting for approximately 70% of annual business. Many holiday-themed seasonal products are beginning to make their way to market, and it is important...more
There is nothing like sitting in front of a charcuterie plate laden with prosciutto and at least a triple crème, honey chevre (goat cheese), and maybe a huntsman cheese while sipping on a slightly chilled, smooth white...more
Many alcohol beverage industry clients are faced with lawsuits attacking product labels. These lawsuits can be frustrating for clients, particularly when the labels at issue were previously approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco...more
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau’s (TTB) Office of Field Operations is responsible for ensuring industry members comply with the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, the Internal Revenue Code and all related...more
As we previously reported, the Treasury Department released a 2022 report on Competition in the Markets for Beer, Wine, and Spirits (the Competition Report) recommending, in part, that the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade...more
While there has always been theft in the alcohol industry, there has been a significant uptick in large-scale larceny in recent months. Because of this reality, alcohol industry members should take steps to prepare for...more
With less than a week and a half remaining to avert a government shutdown, Congress appears no closer to finding a solution. This means that a shutdown could occur as early as October 1, 2023. Alcohol industry members should...more
If a large beverage company is considering purchasing or selling a craft beverage producer, it’s essential to understand how the craft producer may lose its earlier eligibility for reduced tax rates under the Craft Beverage...more
In 2022, the alcohol industry saw significant developments in the regulatory space. As we look to 2023, industry leaders continue to adapt to the changing needs of consumers, driving more innovation than we’ve seen in years...more
In the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau’s (TTB) final Industry Circular of the year, they provided DSPs guidance on how to calculate effective tax rates for distilled spirits products eligible for the Craft Beverage...more
Due to the uptick in alcohol advertisement on social media platforms, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued guidance on advertising via social media and how TTB’s rules on advertising generally apply in...more
Each year the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issues “Industry Circulars” that apply statutory or regulatory requirements to a “specific circumstance or set of facts” or restate existing requirements. TTB also...more
On November 9, 2022, the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB” or “Agency”) announced that the Agency is considering updating the alcohol trade practice regulations for the first time in 20 years. The current...more
On August 2, 2021 and March 3, 2022 we reported on Executive Order 14036 (E.O. 14036) and the subsequent Treasury report entitled, “Competition in the Markets for Beer, Wine, and Spirits” (Report), which, among other things,...more
The alcohol industry has proven to be quite resilient in 2022. As palates change and customers seek exciting new flavors and compositions, companies must be nimble to keep up with consumers’ needs and demands. Producers and...more
Massachusetts farmer-breweries, farmer-distilleries and farmer-wineries seeking to diversify their offerings and attract new customers will often add new commodities to their existing operations. Under Massachusetts law, the...more
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) recently proposed amendments to 27 CFR Part 4 that would allow winemakers to reference added distilled spirits on labels and in advertisements. Currently, wine labels and...more
The rapid evolution of the cannabis industry in the United States poses many unique questions, the most interesting of which is what cannabis regulation will look like under federal legalization. Although (legal) cannabis is...more
As consumers continue to trend toward more health-conscious options, including in their choice of alcoholic beverages, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has responded with guidance on health-related marketing...more
As we previously reported, Executive Order 14036 (E.O. 14036) required the Treasury secretary, who oversees the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), to issue a report to the White House Competition Council (the...more
On February 9, the Treasury Department issued a report analyzing competition in the US alcohol industry (defined as beer, wine, and spirits), which outlined several proposed reforms aimed at improving competition in the...more
On February 9, 2022, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) published a final rule that implements Phase 2 of its rulemaking modernizing certain labeling and advertising regulations for malt beverages and...more
Last week, the US Treasury Department (Treasury) released a report that outlined a series of reforms aimed at boosting competition in the combined $250 billion US beer, wine and spirits markets in response to US President Joe...more
On February 9, 2022, the US Treasury Department (Treasury) released a report with recommendations for how the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) can help drive...more