February 26, 2010
Greetings! We hope you are having an efficient and joyful week! This edition includes information on mislabeled French wine and an overview of our National Resource Center.
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 State Liaison (stateliaison@ttb.gov). |
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MISLABELED FRENCH WINE
On February 17, 2010, a number of French wine producers and traders were found guilty of mislabeling wine as "pinot noir." The wine had actually been produced using less expensive grape varieties. The mislabeled wines were sold to American importers. TTB has been aware of this issue and has been involved over the past year in discussions with the appropriate French authorities responsible for the regulation of these products.
TTB is conducting appropriate inquiries and investigations to verify the allegations. The French Government has pledged cooperation and TTB anticipates full disclosures from the competent authorities, along with official translations of the court documents. TTB is waiting for an official translation of the court documents and has begun investigations to determine the appropriate course of action to take regarding the American importers of these mislabeled wines.
Additional actions may be indicated and appropriate once the necessary investigations have been completed and information is veri
THE NATIONAL REVENUE CENTER
Note - The National Revenue Center recently updated its fax numbers. We apologize for the disruption of service as we transitioned to a new telephone system to improve our communications with the public. Please make note of the new numbers. Read more.
MISSION
The NRC collects tax revenues; screens applications; issues permits and approves notices or registrations; reconciles returns, reports, and claims; and provides technical assistance to Bureau employees and industry members on related laws and regulations.
FUNCTIONS
The NRC is responsible for the functions in three different areas: Tax Services, Application Services, and Operations Services.
Tax Services
- Ensures full, fair, and proper collection of Federal excise, special occupational, and floor stocks taxes due on alcohol, tobacco, firearms, and ammunition through examination and reconciliation of tax returns, production reports, and export documentation.
- Examines claims filed for refund, credit, and allowance to determine the existence and legitimacy of proper documentation to support approval.
- Provides settlement of tax (and penalties and interest) obligations in a fair and equitable manner.
Application Services
- Screens original applications to establish operations in the alcohol and tobacco industries to ensure that only eligible and legitimate companies and individuals are approved to engage in these regulated activities.
- Screens amended applications to ensure compliance with previously approved permits/registrations.
Operations Services
- Maintains control of documents submitted to and generated by the NRC.
Provides administrative, statistical, and technological support relating to all operative aspects of the NRC.