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Which Alcohol Beverages Require Formula Approval?

Note:

If your product is not described in this tool or if you have any other questions, please contact ALFD's Formulation help line at 866-927-2533, option 7, the Distilled Spirits labeling help line at 866-927-2533, option 4, or see https://www.ttb.gov/alfd/contact-information
When applying for a TTB Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) or a Certificate of Exemption from Label Approval in COLAs Online or using TTB F 5100.31, always refer to the information in the Determination, Approval Provisions, and Labeling Instructions sections under the Results Tab of your approved formula in Formulas Online (FONL) or the information in your approved TTB F 5100.51 form to ensure that your labeling application reflects the correct class and type of your distilled spirits product.

 

Distilled Spirits

This spirit is:

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NO FORMULA APPROVAL REQUIRED
You do not need to submit for Pre-COLA product evaluation. You may apply for label approval now.
FORMULA APPROVAL REQUIRED

Submit your formula through .
LABORATORY ANALYSIS REQUIRED
Submit a 750 ml sample, along with a complete list of ingredients and method of manufacture to the .
The Laboratory receives the sample. If any additional information is needed, the lab will contact you before analyzing the sample.
The chemist analyzes the sample and sends the results to the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division.
A formula specialist verifies that all of the information has been submitted and contacts other specialists as needed to determine the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status and the product tax classification.
See to for a list of ingredients and processes used in the production of beer that are not subject to formula requirements. If the ingredients and processes used in the production of your beer are not included in Attachment 1 to TTB Ruling 2015-1, submit to our Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division.
After reviewing all of the information, the formula specialist will make a determination of APPROVAL or REJECTION.
APPROVAL
REJECTION
You will receive the approved application with the classification of the product. You may now apply for label approval by submitting a copy of the formula approval with the label application using . Our rejection letter will include an explanation of the information needed to process this application.

 

   

Last updated: September 16, 2025