FAQs
Beverage Alcohol Lab | Pre-Import Analysis | Laboratory Certification Program | Nonbeverage Products Lab | Specially Denatured Spirits
If you have a question not listed please email us at Submit Inquiry and we will respond in a timely manner.
PrintThe alternate shipping address to the lab is Beltsville. Both cities use the same zip code.
Last reviewed/updated 08/04/2010
Laboratory analysis for pre-import approval generally takes 30 days. We then forward the results to the formulation specialists in the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division (ALFD).
Last reviewed/updated 08/04/2010
Contact the Legal Instruments Examiner at 240-264-1665 or by email at Submit Inquiry.
Last reviewed/updated 08/04/2010
If the producer does not provide documents in English please have them translated to English. Then submit the originals and the translation to us. The translation should be signed and dated by the translator.
Last reviewed/updated 08/04/2010
You must provide the name and address of the flavor manufacturer as well as the TTB (or ATF) number for the flavor. If the flavor manufacturer does not have a TTB number for the flavor, the flavor itself must be submitted to TTB's Nonbeverage Products Laboratory with the formula information on an TTB F 5154.1. The alcoholic beverage cannot be approved if it contains compounded flavors that do not have TTB numbers and/or has not been evaluated by the Nonbeverage Products Laboratory.
Last reviewed/updated 08/04/2010
No. For products that require laboratory analysis you must first receive a pre-import approval letter from the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division ALFD before submitting a label application.
Last reviewed/updated 08/04/2010
Please refer to Industry Circular 2007-4 for a complete list of products that require laboratory analysis, pre-import letters only, or label applications only.
Last reviewed/updated 08/04/2010
No. Only importers with current Basic Import Permits can request laboratory analysis. When you receive your Basic Import Permit send a copy of it with your sample submission.
Last reviewed/updated 08/04/2010
Yes. The bottles do not have to have commercial labels or labels in English. However, please attach a handwritten label with the product name or number the bottles and the corresponding paperwork so the laboratory can identify each product.
Last reviewed/updated 08/04/2010
You need to submit the following for each sample that requires a laboratory analysis:
- A 750 ml sample of the product
- A List of ingredients of the product submitted on the official letterhead of the manufacturer, sign, and dated (if in a foreign language, submit the original along with a copy of the English translation). Please note, a chemical analysis report of a product is not a substitute for a ‘list of ingredients'. The ‘list of ingredients' is a list of the materials used to manufacture the product, e.g., agricultural source of alcohol, additives, colors, herbs and spices, etc.
- A description of the method of manufacture of the product submitted on the official letterhead of the manufacturer, sign, and dated (if in a foreign language, submit the original along with a copy of the English translation). Please make sure that the method of manufacture includes the "proof at distillation" information. A common confusion appears to be in understanding the difference between "proof at distillation" and "proof of the finished product". The "proof at distillation" is the highest proof of the distillate before it is diluted with water for bottling.
- A copy of the TTB issued Basic Importers Permit
Last reviewed/updated 08/04/2010
Submit all pre-import samples to: National Laboratory Center, Beverage Alcohol Laboratory, 6000 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Last reviewed/updated 08/04/2010
Laboratory Certification Program
An applicant must be employed by or otherwise affiliated with a qualified laboratory. A "qualified laboratory" is defined as a laboratory equipped to perform all the necessary analyses for certification of wine or distilled spirits. In addition, the applicant must meet the educational requirements.
Last reviewed/updated 07/29/2010
To qualify for certification for wine analysis, the applicant must have at least a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, a Bachelor's degree in any physical, chemical, or biological science and at least 30 credits of chemistry, or a Bachelor's degree in enology.
To qualify for certification for distilled spirits analysis, the applicant must have at least a Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a Bachelor's degree in any physical, chemical, or biological science and at least 30 credits of chemistry.
All applicants should submit a copy of his or her diploma and transcripts with the application package as proof of the educational requirements being met. Any applicant with a degree obtained outside of the United States must have his or her degree evaluated by an educational assessment organization.
Last reviewed/updated 07/29/2010
TTB issues Chemist Certification certificates twice a year, on January 1 and July 1. To be considered for certification on January 1, TTB must receive a written request for participation no later than October 1. Samples will be sent to qualified applicants no later than November 1. Data packages must be submitted to TTB no later than December 1. To be considered for certification on July 1, TTB must receive a written request for participation no later than April 1. Samples will be sent to qualified applicants no later than May 1. Data packages must be received by TTB no later than June 1. For additional information, please refer to TTB Procedure 2010-1.
Last reviewed/updated 07/29/2010
Please send your written request to participate and subsequent data packages to Director, SSD at the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Scientific Service Division, 6000 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Last reviewed/updated 07/29/2010
Applicants may use any analytical method for analysis; however, the results must be in agreement with TTB's results for certification. TTB recommends that the data be obtained by a validated method, preferably in accordance with the latest edition of the Official Methods of Analysis, published by the AOAC International or the TTB Official Methods found on our website. The methods of analysis must accompany the submitted data package.
Last reviewed/updated 07/29/2010
Certificates should be received by the certified chemists on or around January 1 or July 1.
Last reviewed/updated 07/29/2010
Nonbeverage Products Laboratory
If you want to use taxpaid alcohol to manufacture perfume, medicines, medicinal preparations, food products, flavoring, or flavoring extracts and file drawback claims for all but $1 per proof gallon of the excise taxes paid on the spirits used in the manufacturing process, please review our information packet for more information about this process.
Once you are ready to begin submitting drawback formulas, please do so through Formulas Online. See this tutorial for basic information about using Formulas Online for nonbeverage products.
You can contact the National Revenue Center at 1-877-882-3277, or ttbtaxfree@ttb.treas.gov, if you have any questions.
Last reviewed/updated 10/25/2016
There is no requirement that you file before you manufacture. However, you run the risk of your product not being determined unfit for beverage purposes. If that is the case, you will not receive your tax money back and you cannot sell the product. To avoid a penalty, you must file a formula within two quarters after the quarter in which you manufactured the product. For example, if you made the product on January 15th (first quarter of the year) you must file by September 30th (end of the third quarter) in order to avoid a $1000 penalty.
Last reviewed/updated 02/03/2011
The Federal Excise Tax on distilled spirits is based on the proof gallon. It is defined as a gallon of 50% alcohol. Therefore, if you have one gallon of 200 proof alcohol, you have two proof gallons.
Last reviewed/updated 02/03/2011
No. You can claim drawback only on the distilled spirits. There is no drawback on the taxes paid on wine or beer.
Last reviewed/updated 02/03/2011
No. It depends on the quantity of your flavor that the beverage manufacturer uses in their finished product. TTB needs to make sure that the quantities of FDA and TTB limited ingredients are not exceeded.
Last reviewed/updated 02/03/2011
You can find it on the Forms page of our Web site under TTB F 5154.1.
Last reviewed/updated 02/03/2011
No. Your tax stamp allows you to manufacture nonbeverage products. If you manufacture a product that is fit for beverage purposes, you must qualify as a distilled spirits plant. Also, your product must be classified, labeled and sold as an alcoholic beverage.
Last reviewed/updated 02/03/2011
We need a 2 fl. oz. (30 mL) sample of a liquid product and a 4 oz. (110 g) sample of a solid product. Frozen products should be shipped such that they remain frozen. Use of dry ice and expedited shipping (e.g. overnight) is recommended, with delivery ideally occurring Mon-Thu.
Last reviewed/updated 08/12/2021
Review the National Revenue Center (NRC) in Cincinnati, Ohio's webpage at or contact them toll-free at 877-882-3277. Inform the NRC that you want to be an SDS user and they will provide guidance. You will also need to become familiar with Title 27 of the Code of Federal Regulations parts 20 and 21.
Last reviewed/updated 08/06/2021
You have to file a formula and receive approval before you manufacture and sell an article (product) that contains specially denatured spirits (SDS). There are a few exceptions to this and they can be found in 27 CFR 20.111 – 20.124.
Last reviewed/updated 08/06/2021
You can find it on the Forms page of our Web site under TTB Form 5150.19. However, the most efficient way to submit a formula is electronically using Formulas Online.
Last reviewed/updated 08/06/2021
If the information that you are looking for cannot be found in the instructions or the SDS/CDA Tutorial you can contact the Nonbeverage Products Laboratory at Submit Inquiry.
Last reviewed/updated 08/06/2021
Once you are ready to begin submitting formulas, you may do so electronically through Formulas Online, or file a paper formula on TTB Form 5150.19.
Send completed TTB Form 5150.19 to:
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Nonbeverage Products Laboratory
6000 Ammendale Road
Beltsville, MD 20705-1250
Last reviewed/updated 08/06/2021
Yes. The permit allows you to purchase SDS. However, an approved formula on TTB Form 5150.19 or electronically through Formulas Online is still needed. There are a few exceptions to this and they can be found in 27 CFR 20.111 – 20.124.
Last reviewed/updated 08/06/2021
Yes. Each permitted manufacturing location needs an approved formula. To expedite the approval process, complete Item 4 on TTB Form 5150.19 with the name and location of the company that received prior approval and the approval date. A copy of the formula may also be included. If filing electronically through Formulas Online, this information can be provided in the appropriate section or a copy of the prior approval may be uploaded.
Last reviewed/updated 08/06/2021You may check the status online through Formulas Online, if you have an account, or contact the Nonbeverage Products Laboratory at 240-264-1594.
Last reviewed/updated 08/06/2021
You need to file a revised formula if the quantity of an ingredient changes, or an ingredient is added or removed from an approved formula. An exception would be the change in a color from one to another, or from an ingredient identified in the formula by a brand name to the same quantity of a chemically identical ingredient acquired under a different brand name. Please refer to 27 CFR 20.93 and the SDS/CDA Tutorial.
Last reviewed/updated 08/06/2021