Importing & Exporting
Let's Get You Importing Product
- Wholesaler's Permit - If you plan to sell at wholesale alcohol beverages other than those beverages that you directly import with your Importer’s Permit, you must also obtain a Wholesaler’s Basic Permit. This is a document issued under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act authorizing a person to engage in activities at a particular location.
- Importer's Permit - The importer must have a Federal Basic Importer’s Permit (“Importer’s Permit”), prior to engaging in the business of importing distilled spirits, wines or malt beverages. To obtain an Importer’s Permit, the importer must maintain and staff a business office in the United States. If you are unable to conduct business in the United States, you must contract with an existing licensed importer in the United States. Making a commercial arrangement with an existing licensed importer eliminates the need to obtain an importer’s permit.
- Product Clearing - Don’t have a permit or approval to import a new alcoholic beverage? US Wine Compliance holds both Federal Importers and Wholesalers Basic Permits; this allows us to import alcohol into any port within the US. We’ll clear your imported alcoholic beverage, allowing you to remove one more cost and eliminate any more permits needed to grow your business. Once it arrives, the product it all yours.
- Label Approval's (COLA) & Waiver's - Once you have appointed or obtain an Importer’s Permit, the importer must obtain a TTB-issued Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) for each unique product/label for distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages. To obtain a COLA, the importer must file an "Application for and Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval". As part of the COLA process, the importer may need to obtain pre-COLA product approval, depending on the product to be imported. For information on pre-COLA product approval.
- Certificate of Origin - Importers must be in compliance with certificate of age and origin requirements for wines and distilled spirits imported into the United States. A certificate of age or origin is required for certain wines and distilled spirits imported into the United States. For a comprehensive list of such certificate of age and origin requirements for imported alcoholic beverages please contact us.
- Taxes & Fee's - Importers are responsible for all applicable Federal excise taxes and duties. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects all applicable Federal excise taxes on distilled spirits, wine and beer as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. Importers must register as alcohol dealers and complete "Alcohol Dealer Registration," before engaging in business.
Don't Have an Import Permit?
Don’t have a permit or approval to import a new alcoholic beverage? US Wine Compliance holds both Federal Importers and Wholesalers Basic Permits; this allows us to import alcohol into any port within the US.