LABELING OF BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY IMPORTED IN BOTTLES

Importers, and others concerned:

Purpose. The purpose of this Industry Circular is to inform importers of a change in H. M. Customs & Excise export labeling regulations which will affect the labeling of some Scotch Whiskies exported to the United States in bottles.

Background. The Code of Customs & Excise Warehousing Regulations administered in Great Britain under certain conditions has previously authorized statements in labeling to the effect that Scotch Whisky bottled in the United Kingdom has been "Distilled in Scotland and bottled in the United Kingdom under Government Supervision". The regulations have recently been amended to authorize, where appropriate, the use in labeling of an alternate statement "Distilled and Bottled in Scotland under British Government Supervision". It is expected that bottlers in Scotland will elect to revise their labels to show the alternate statement on their shipments to the United States.

Conclusion. In order to prevent hardships on the importers, we will not object to the substitution on approved labels of the legend "Distilled and Bottled in Scotland under British Government Supervision" (where appropriate) for the statement "Distilled in Scotland and bottled in the United Kingdom under Government Supervision" without obtaining new certificates of label approval.

Inquiries. Correspondence in regard to this Industry Circular should refer to its number and be addressed to the Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division (CP:AT:B), Washington 25, D. C.

Dwight E. Avis
Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division