August 13, 2010

Greetings! We hope you are having a wonderful and salubrious week! This edition provides assistance to industry members seeking to export their products, links to our Italian-language U.S. import requirements Web site, a way to save money and time by using Pay.Gov, and how to reach our industry analysts if you need assistance.

www.TTB.gov

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). TTB Newsletter Archives

EXPORT CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY TTB

We provide assistance to industry members seeking to export their products by providing various export certificates or documents that are often required in order to be imported into a foreign market.  These are known by different names, including (but not limited to):

• Certificate of Free Sale
• Certificate of Origin and/or Age
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Sanitary Statement/Certificate
• Manufacturing Process 

Requests for such certifications, or variations thereof, are currently processed through TTB's National Revenue Center (NRC) in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Industry members are advised that beginning on August 23, 2010, the processing of these requests will take place through TTB's International Trade Division (ITD) in Washington, D.C.

As of the date indicated above, certification requests should be mailed to the address below:

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
International Trade Division
Attn: Export Certificate Program
1310 G St. NW, Suite 400W
Washington, DC 20220

In order to avoid delays, we recommend that industry members submit requests through an overnight carrier method.  Similarly, for companies that wish to have the (approved) copy of the Certificate returned via an overnight carrier, a prepared overnight bill which designates the requesting company as the entity to bill should be included with the certificate request.   Otherwise, the certificate will be returned via regular mail.

For more information regarding the export certificate program, please visit the Export Documents/Certificates section of TTB.gov.  Any questions regarding this change or the issuance of export certificates may be directed to ITD at (202) 453-2260, or by e-mail at ITD@ttb.gov.

TTB LINKS TO ITALIAN-LANGUAGE U.S. IMPORT REQUIREMENTS WEB SITE

TTB.gov now offers resources in four different foreign languages to facilitate industry compliance in the international trade of alcohol products.  TTB recently added a link on TTB.gov to the Italian-language Vinitaly Web site, whose site includes general information about requirements for importing beverage alcohol into the United States.  In addition to existing information in Spanish, French, and Chinese currently available on TTB.gov, this information will provide foreign producers with a better understanding of U.S. laws and regulations on permits and labeling.

This link leads to a Web site whose content, privacy, and visitor management practices may differ from those of TTB. TTB is not responsible for the contents of any off-site Web page referenced from this server.  Please review TTB's Privacy Policy for more information.

PAY.GOV CAN SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY

Did you know that you can save time and money by filing TTB Operational Reports and Tax Returns online through Pay.gov? Pay.gov is safe, free and takes much of the guesswork out of completing these documents accurately.  

Forms Tutorials
If you simply cannot file using the Pay.gov hassle-free method, the following forms tutorials will guide you through the various fields and requested information, and calculate commonly-used formulas.  To open and begin using a tutorial, click your form selection below. 

• 5110.11 - Monthly Report of Storage Operations
• 5110.28 - Monthly Report of Processing Operations
• 5110.40 - Monthly Report of Production Operations
• 5110.43 - Monthly Report of Processing (Denaturing) Operations
• 5120.17 - Report of Wine Premises Operation
• 5130.9   - Brewer's Report of Operations
• 5620.8b - Claim -- Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Taxes

Helpful Hints and Tips

Let TTB make things simpler for you with quick tips and helpful hints in completing common tasks or reporting required information. 

• Preparing Form 5000.24, Excise Tax Return  
• Preparing Form 5000.25, Excise Tax Return - Alcohol and Tobacco (Puerto Rico)

Completing Fillable Forms

You may download a copy, and then fill in your information and print.  Fillable Forms Instructions.

Submitting Forms        

Please follow the instructions on each form because address and contact information varies. 

• Most forms must be submitted to the National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Suite 8002, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, complete with signature and date.
• Tax return forms must be remitted according to the instructions on the form.
• Puerto Rico Operations forms must be submitted to TTB Puerto Rico Operations, Ste. 310, Torre Chardon, 350 Carlos Chardon Ave., San Juan, PR 00918

Commenting on Forms

You may comment on any TTB form by writing to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Regulations and Rulings Division, 1310 G Street, NW, Room 200-East, Washington, DC 20220, or by e-mail at formcomments@ttb.gov. You may also examine the Federal Register notices, which are published under the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

Need Additional Assistance?

INDUSTRY ANALYSTS ARE AVAILABLE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

TTB desires to maintain a high level of communication with industry members, trade associations, State governments, and other Federal agencies. TTB Industry Analysts are responsible for:

• Maintaining contact with all phases of activity within the industry;
• Assisting in preparation of proposed legislation;
• Identifying industry changes;
• Assessing trends and current statistical results; and
• Providing efficiency of service through attendance at seminars and industry meetings.

Please feel free to contact TTB Industry Analysts as a resource and point of contact on national issues of mutual concern.