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Exporting Alcohol Beverages from the U.S.

Federal Requirements

Federal export requirements may vary depending on what product is being exported (e.g. beer, wine, or distilled spirits), whether the exporter is also the producer of the product, and/or whether the product is being exported taxpaid or without payment of tax. Please select from the links below for requirements as they may apply to your particular situation:

Wine

Producers (Proprietors of Bonded Wine Premises)
Exporting Wine Taxpaid (Updated 10/06/10)
Exporting Wine Untaxpaid (Updated 10/06/10)

Wholesalers (Other than Proprietors of Bonded Wine Premises)
Exporting Wine Taxpaid (Updated 10/06/10)
Exporting Wine Untaxpaid (Updated 10/06/10)

Beer

Producers (Brewery Proprietors)
Exporting Beer Taxpaid  (Updated 10/06/10)
Exporting Beer Untaxpaid  (Updated 10/06/10)

Wholesalers (Other than Brewery Proprietors)
Exporting Beer Taxpaid  (Updated 06/21/10)

Distilled Spirits

Producers (Distilled Spirits Plant Proprietors)
Exporting Distilled Spirits Taxpaid  (Updated 10/06/10)
Exporting Distilled Spirits Untaxpaid  (Updated 10/06/10)

Wholesalers (Other than Distilled Spirits Plant Proprietors)
Exporting Distilled Spirits Taxpaid  (Updated 10/06/10)
Exporting Distilled Spirits Untaxpaid  (Updated 10/06/10)

State Requirements

Applicable State and/or local requirements must also be met in addition to those for the Federal permit described above. As such, you should contact the alcohol control board for each state in which you will be conducting wholesaling operations for information regarding their licensing requirements.

For additional information on exporting beverage alcohol, please visit our Q&A page.

Export Documents/Certificates

For further information on how to obtain export documents such as a Certificate of Origin, Certificate of Free Sale, and simplified VI1 forms (for exporting wine to the EU), please visit our Export Documents page.

Wine exporters should also review TTB Industry Circular 2007-2 for information on the new VI1 form, which may be used by those exporting wine to European Union countries as of April 1, 2007. This new form is a simplified version of the previous VI1 certificate required by the European Community for wine imported from third countries (e.g. the U.S.). Exporters are highly encouraged to use the new form.

ITD Import/Export Requirements Guide

Our Import/Export Requirements Guide offers exporters a wealth of information on international import requirements for various countries for beer, wine, and distilled spirits. The guide includes information on licensing, labeling, and taxation considerations. Please note that exporters should always contact the foreign agencies responsible (located in the Contacts section of each country page) in order to verify that the information as listed is current.

Any further questions on exporting beverage alcohol products may be directed to TTB’s International Trade Division at (202) 453-2260. You may also email us, at itd@ttb.gov.

Other Export Resources

In addition to TTB’s International Trade Division, U.S. exporters have a number of other resources within the Federal Government available to assist in exporting products to new markets:

The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides loan, grant, and insurance information for small businesses interested in exporting. For more information, visit the SBA Export Library.
The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) provides intelligence and analysis on foreign market opportunities, production forecasts, export marketing opportunities, and monitors changes in policies affecting U.S. agricultural exports and imports. For more information, visit the FAS website.
Export.gov brings together resources from across the U.S. Government to assist American businesses in planning their international sales strategies and succeed in today’s global marketplace. For more information, visit the Export.Gov website