Alcoholic producers and importers with questions about any necessary formula approvals for a beer, distilled spirit or wine can save themselves a lot of time and frustration if they know what needs to be done to achieve the goals of getting the certified label approval (COLA).
In an era when time is money, businesses can avoid having label applications returned for correction if they correctly determine whether they need a provide the formula or formula and sample analysis – formula and sample are typically necessary for imported sake and non-alcoholic beer. In simple terms, the formula must include a complete list of ingredients and a step-by-step recipe for how the beverage is made.
When is formula submission needed?
The good news is that most alcoholic beverages do not require formula approval by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax And Trade Bureau (TTB). However, producers and importers will need to provide the formula if:
- There are new ingredients that change the flavor.
- The coloring of the beverage changed.
- The maker employed new processes not addressed in the regulations.
TTB provides a tool
The TTB website provides a tool where producers determine if they need to submit a formula. The producers can click on the links below:
Each category has a set of prompts that walks manufacturers through a brief series of questions about the product. The tool can then give potential applicants an answer based on the information given. Moreover, the tool also provides standard product definitions and some helpful regulatory tips about both approvals and rejections. While this is a straightforward process, the TTB also provides an extensive list of alcoholic beverage products that require formula approval.
It’s best to be sure
The TTB website is informative and useful, but it cannot answer every question regarding formula approval and other issues. So many find it helpful to speak with an alcohol law attorney practicing here in Florida. These legal professionals can help clients get the answers they need to keep alcohol producers and importers’ businesses moving forward.