TTB Newsletter: December 11, 2009

In the TTB Newsletter, we compile the top TTB news of the week and other helpful information about the Bureau and the Federal alcohol and tobacco laws and regulations we enforce.

Please send any questions and/or comments to Executive Liaison for Industry Matters (IndustryLiaison@ttb.gov) and/or (stateliaison@ttb.com).

TTB Newsletter Archives

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES TO TTB WEBSITE

TTB recently updated its Chinese, French, and Spanish language web pages. Updates cover tax, contact, and other information that has changed since the sites were launched. In addition, TTB has added new home page links to ensure easy access for the numerous French, Spanish, and Chinese speaking visitors to the site. These updates are also highlighted in the TTB web page banner, found at the top of all TTB pages. The new links can be found in the upper left corner of the TTB homepage at www.ttb.gov. In addition to the current foreign language pages, TTB is also developing an Italian language page to be added in the near future.

ANNOUNCING TTB EXPO 2011

We are excited to announce that the next TTB Expo will be held in late spring or early summer 2011 in the Greater Cincinnati area. Future Expos will be held every other year after that. Sign up for email alerts now by clicking here so you can receive up-to-date information as we release more details on the exact dates and location, or be sure to check in often at TTB.gov for the latest news!

COLAs ONLINE eNEWS DECEMBER EDITION IS NOW AVAILABLE

COLAs Online eNews wishes you Season's Greetings! The December 2009 issue brings more technical assistance that can help you get those alcohol labels finished more quickly so you may spend extra time with family and friends.

DO I NEED FORMULA APPROVAL FOR MY PRODUCT?

You may ask yourself "Hey. Why does TTB need to approve my alcohol beverage product formula before I can apply for label approval?"

Broadly speaking, by evaluating and approving your formula, we can verify that the ingredients meet FDA's requirements to be considered safe for use in food, assign it the correct tax classification, and ensure that your proposed label will identify the product in an adequate and non-misleading way.

Still, determining which malt beverage, wine, and distilled spirit products require formula approval for a COLA can be confusing, whether you are a prospective industry member, a newcomer to the business, or a veteran of the industry. Fortunately, TTB has created a Formula Approval Tool. This tool that will make that determination for you in just seconds!

TTB also maintains a list of the pre-COLA product evaluations required for specific products or product categories. The list is divided into three commodity-specific charts:

The commodity-based charts reflect the current pre-COLA evaluation requirements for the listed products. Please be advised that, because the type of pre-COLA product evaluation required for a particular type of product may change, it is important to visit TTB.Gov for the most current information. In addition, the charts are provided as general guidance. Particular circumstances may dictate the need for a pre-COLA product evaluation for a specific product even though no such requirement is listed in the charts.