Approval of labels on alcohol beverages

"CUSTOMER SERVICE" -- IT'S MORE THAN JUST A LABEL

Who we are

The Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division is the office within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) responsible for approving certificates of label approval (COLAs) for alcohol beverages. In 1999 our staff of 6 senior and 5 trainee label specialists reviewed approximately 68,000 applications and issued almost 55,000 certificates. These certificates help us to ensure that two basic objectives are met:

  • The consumer receives a product that is safe, legal and properly described

  • All alcohol beverages are taxed at the proper rate

Who uses our services?

  • Domestic and foreign bottlers of alcohol beverages

  • Domestic and foreign producers of alcohol beverages

  • Domestic wholesalers of alcohol beverages

  • Importers of alcohol beverages

  • Representatives of the alcohol industry

What are our services?

Our core services are:

  • Reviewing label applications

  • Issuing label certificates

  • Commenting on proposed (informal) labels for alcohol beverages

  • Responding to questions on labeling and packaging of all alcohol beverages

  • Providing guidance on new product development

In addition, we:

  • Publish updates on procedures, policies and problems

  • Offer these updates on INTERNET. The INTERNET domain address is http://www.atf.treas.gov

Our Standards

You have a right to expect from us a service which is professional and courteous and which actively responds to your marketing strategies. Although we sometimes make mistakes, we continuously try to perfect our service. We want to offer you the best service possible. To help us do this, we have developed certain performance standards that we are committed to meet.

We will be

COURTEOUS All of our employees will treat you with respect. 
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.

You can expect us to: 

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

  • Comment on proposed (informal) labels

  • Respond to your correspondence

If you wish to bring your applications to our Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division, we are located at: 

    650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW 
    Room 5200 
    Washington DC 20226

(Our building is approximately 2 blocks north of the Gallery Place MetroStation, 7th and H Street exit. There are parking garages and parking meters nearby.) 

  • Our "walk-in" hours of operations are Monday-Friday (except Federal holidays), 10:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Eastern Time (ET).

  • A clerk will assist you, usually within 5 minutes.

If you wish to phone us: 

  • You can reach us at (866) 927-ALFD (2533).

  • We are available by telephone Monday-Friday (except Federal holidays), from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, ET.

You may schedule an appointment to meet with a label specialist or supervisor.

Information

Suggestions, Comments and Complaints: 

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

We may be reached at: 

    Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms 
    Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division
    650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW 
    Washington, DC 20226

    Phone (Toll Free): (866) 927-ALFD (2533)
    Fax: (202) 927-8605

    Status: 

Information on the status of your formal label applications, proposed (informal) labels and correspondence may be obtained from the customer service desk at (866) 927-ALFD (2533) or e-mail at alfd@ttb.gov.

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