Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division (ALFD)

Alcohol Info

The Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division (ALFD) is the office within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) responsible for implementing and enforcing a broad range of statutory and compliance provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and the Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act, with regard to the formulation and labeling of alcohol beverages. The FAA Act requires importers and bottlers of beverage alcohol to obtain certificates of label approval or certificates of exemption from label approval (COLAs) for most alcoholic beverages prior to their introduction into interstate commerce. ALFD acts on these COLAs to ensure that products are labeled in accordance with Federal laws and regulations. In addition, ALFD examines formulas for wine and distilled spirits, statements of process and pre-import applications filed by filed by importers and proprietors of domestic distilled spirits plants, wineries and breweries for proper tax classification and to ensure that the products are manufactured in accordance with Federal laws and regulations.

"ATF's statutory mandate is to prevent consumer deception and ensure that the label provides the consumer with adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product."

In 2002, ALFD's staff of 13 label specialists, reviewed approximately 96,700 COLA applications and issued nearly 76,500 certificates; while 4 formula specialists reviewed over 1,500 domestic beverage alcohol formulas, prepared approximately 1,000 lab analysis reports and more than 550 pre-import letters.

ALFD's Core Services:

Review domestic product formulations

Review imported beverage alcohol, laboratory analysis and pre-import applications

Review alcohol beverage product formulations

Issue formulas, statements of process, laboratory analyses and pre-import letters

Review label applications

Issue label certificates

Comment on proposed (informal) labels for alcoholic beverages

Respond to questions on labeling and packaging of all alcoholic beverages

Provide guidance on new product development

Publish updates on procedures, policies and issues

Services are Rendered To:

Domestic and foreign producers of alcoholic beverages

Domestic and foreign bottlers of alcoholic beverages

Domestic wholesalers of alcoholic beverages

Domestic importers of alcoholic beverages

Representatives of the alcohol beverage industry

ATF field offices

ALFD's Standards:

You may expect from us service which is professional and courteous and which actively responds to your marketing strategies. We strive to continuously perfect our services. We want to offer you the best service possible. To help us do this, we have developed the following performance standards that we are committed to meeting:

COURTEOUS - All of our employees will treat you with the utmost respect and communicate with you in a polite manor.

PROFESSIONAL - Our label specialists are trained in a full range of services to meet your needs.

CONFIDENTIAL - Your proprietary information will be protected at all times.

In addition, you can expect us to:

Approve or reject your label application within 9 calendar days of receipt

Forms:

Forms, including the Application for Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval (ATF F 5100.31), Formula for Distilled Spirits Under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (ATF F 5110.38) and The Formula and Process for Wine Application (ATF F 5120.29) may be found under 5100 Alcohol Program: in the Forms section of our web site.

Contact Information:

Our Customer Service Team is available to assist you with labeling and formula issues Monday - Friday (except Federal Holidays), 8:30am - 4:30pm Eastern Time. You can reach our Customer Service Team at (202) 927-8140, toll free at (866) 927-ALFD (2533) by fax at (202) 927-3306 or by E-mail: alfd@atf.gov.

Customer Service:

Information on the status of your formal label applications, proposed (informal) labels, correspondence, formula applications and other submissions may be obtained by contacting the ALFD Customer Service Team. We are available by phone from 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday (except Federal Holidays). You may also make an appointment to meet with a labeling or formula specialist or a supervisor.

Based on our goal of continuous improvement, we welcome your candid comments, suggestions and concerns. This information assists us in improving the service we provide to you.