Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval (COLA)

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) implements and enforces a broad range of statutory and compliance provisions to ensure that alcohol products are created, labeled, and marketed in accordance with Federal laws and regulations.  

Alcohol producers must apply for a Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval (COLA) and follow the labeling and advertising regulations found below.

Regulations

• 27 CFR Part 13, Labeling Proceedings
• 27 CFR Part 4, Labeling and Advertising of Wine
• 27 CFR Part 5, Labeling and Advertising of Distilled Spirits
• 27 CFR Part 7, Labeling and Advertising of Malt Beverages
• 27 CFR Part 16, Alcoholic Beverage Health Warning Statement

Forms

• TTB F 5100.31, Application for Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval (COLA)
• TTB F 5013.2, COLAs Online Access Request form

COLAs Online

• Frequent Questions about COLAs Online

Processing Time

• Status of Paper and Online Applications

Formulation

• Pre-COLA Product Evaluation

Please visit the labeling and formulation FAQs for further information.