Report Fraud:

TTB Tips Online

Importing/Exporting and Wholesaling Alcohol

What do you want to do?

Apply for a permit
Apply online or download an application for exporter, importer, or wholesaler

Import alcohol beverages
Requirements that must be met to import into the United States

Read TTB's laws and regulations
Public laws relating to wholesalers and importers

Submit a pre-import sample
Laboratory analysis or pre-import letter approval

Apply for a certificate of label approval (COLA)
Get your label approved by TTB

Import Sake
Qualify for an importer to import this product
Learn more about ITDS
TTB's implementation of the International Trade Data System

Import samples for trade shows
Apply for a waiver from labeling requirements

Make changes after qualification
Changes to the previously submitted application

Ship directly to consumers
Laws on direct shipping of alcohol from one state to consumers located outside that state
Export alcohol beverage products
Federal export requirements on beverage alcohol product
Apply for a variance
What needs to be submitted and due dates to keep your export documentation on premises

Wholesale and Import
Resources for those who purchase and sell alcohol at wholesale

Get answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Listing of FAQs by topics

CONTACT US
For more information on importing and exporting requirements contact the International Affairs Division at 202-453-2260 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Page last reviewed: September 21, 2019
Page last updated: June 6, 2017
Maintained by: Regulations and Rulings Division