The Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA) requires that anyone wishing to import alcoholic beverages into the United States for the purpose of resale must first obtain an Importer's Basic Permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). In order to obtain a basic permit, they will be required to maintain and staff a business office in the United States. Of course, if they are unable to maintain a U.S. office, they can choose to establish a commercial arrangement with an existing licensed importer within the U.S., thereby negating the need of obtaining a separate importer’s permit. An application (ATF Form 5100.24) must be completed for each location. Completed applications should be mailed to the ATF office stated in the instructions on ATF Form 5100.24. Before commencing business, permit holders must pay a yearly Special Occupational Tax of $500.

Alcoholic beverages imported into the United States for resale, or other commercial purposes, must conform with the United States labeling regulations. All importers must obtain a Certificate of Label Approval prior to the importation of alcoholic beverages.

The regulations governing the labeling and distribution of alcoholic beverages can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations,  Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Title 27. This title can be purchased from the Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (telephone number 202-512-1800) or from a local government bookstore.   Questions regarding customs duties and tariffs should be addressed to:
U.S. Customs Service, Commercial Rulings Division, Office of Regulations and Rulings, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20229.

We also advise anyone wishing to import alcoholic beverages into the United States that individual State requirements must be met in addition to those for the Federal permit described above. Anyone planning on conducting operations within several States should contact each State for information relative to its licensing requirements. Click here for a directory of State Liquor Control Boards.

If there are any further questions regarding these matters, please do not hesitate to telephone (202) 927-8110, or  to write or send an e-mail to ATF, Alcohol Import-Export Branch, 650 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20226.

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