Labeling

Labels—which must be pre-approved by TTB—are an important source of information for consumers. This section provides resources intended to help take the mystery out of labeling regulations and procedures. For more specific commodity-related information, please visit the commodity tabs across the top of the TTB.gov homepage.

NEWS & EVENTS

T.D. TTB-107, Establishment of the Inwood Valley Viticultural Area
This final rule establishes the 28,441-acre "Inwood Valley" viticultural area in Shasta County, California. This new area is not within, nor does it overlap, any existing viticultural area. See Docket No. TTB-2011-0011 at Regulations.gov for this rulemaking’s complete history. (09/13/2012)

T.D. TTB-106, Establishment of the Middleburg Virginia Viticultural Area
This final rule establishes the 198-square mile "Middleburg Virginia" viticultural area in portions of Fauquier and Loudoun Counties, Virginia. This new area is not within, nor does it overlap, any existing viticultural area. See Docket No. TTB-2011-0009 at Regulations.gov for this rulemaking’s complete history. (09/13/2012)

TTB.gov is Getting a New Look
In the coming weeks, we are launching a fresh Web site with new features. Our information will now be available in a streamlined, topic-focused format with easier access to top content and task, common questions, and industry-specific tabs. (08/21/12)

Allowable Changes to Approved Labels
Did you know you can make certain changes to your labels without obtaining a new COLA (TTB Form 5100.31) from TTB? If you are considering making changes to previously approved labels, please review the complete list of allowable revisions—you may not need to send us the revised labels at all! (07/12/12)

Public Guidance for Updated COLA Form 5100.31
Our recently updated COLA form (TTB Form 5100.31) has an expanded list of changes ("allowable revisions") you can make to previously approved labels without obtaining a new COLA from TTB. Read more about the updated COLA in TTB Public Guidance 2012-2. (07/12/12)

Notice No. 130, Proposed Establishment of the Elkton Oregon Viticultural Area
This notice proposes to establish the "Elkton Oregon" viticultural area within the existing Umpqua Valley viticultural area in Douglas County, Oregon. View all documents and comments related to this proposal or make a comment on it at Regulations.gov within Docket No. TTB-2012-0005. Comments are due on or before August 20, 2012. (06/19/12)

TTB Updates Document Requirements for Organic Labels
Effective 06/12/12, a USDA-Accredited Certifying Agent (ACA) preview and approval of the label is the only document that must be submitted with a label application for alcohol beverages stating "100% Organic," "Organic," or "Made with Organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))." (06/12/12)

Notice No. 129, Proposed Indiana Uplands Viticultural Area and Modification of the Ohio River Valley Viticultural Area
This notice proposes establishing the Indiana Uplands viticultural area and modifying the existing Ohio River Valley viticultural area so that the two areas would not overlap. Make a comment on this notice, or view all documents and comments related to this proposal in Docket No. TTB-2012-0004 at Regulations.gov. Comments are due on or before August 7, 2012. (06/08/12)

More News | TTB Calendar

Labeling Resources

General Resources | Mandatory Labeling Requirements | COLAs Guidance | Marketing-based Sampling Program Results | Daily Averages for Processing Label Applications

General Resources

Prevention of Misleading Health-related Statements - TTB’s response to the National Association of Attorney Generals concerns on the formulation and marketing of alcohol beverages that contain ingredients typically associated with non-alcohol energy drinks.
Allowable Changes to Approved Labels - You can make certain changes to your labels without obtaining a new certificate of label approval or COLA (TTB Form 5100.31). Look at some sample changes to labels, guidance information, and the complete list of allowable revisions.
Personalized Labels - TTB provides the beverage alcohol industry with clear guidance on our long standing policies as it relates to personalized labeling.
What You Should Know About Labeling – These TTB brochures provide explanations of the information that must be provided to the public on the following labels:

Laws and Regulations – TTB’s labeling laws and regulations.
Rulings – TTB’s labeling rulings.
Industry Circulars – Keep up-to-date with information concerning TTB-regulated industry.
- 2011-4 - Streamlining the Certificate of Label Approval Review Process
Procedures – Formal instructions to the industry that supplement TTB labeling regulations.
U.S. Appellations of Origin – Learn all about appellations of origin—approved U.S. viticultural areas as identified in 27 CFR part 9—at TTB’s “U.S. Appellations of Origins” page. Learn about foreign appellations of origin, as well.
Labels with Organic Claims – TTB provides you with the most up-to-date information for the production, handling, processing, labeling, and marketing of products labeled with organic claims.
- MOU Between TTB and the Agricultural Marketing Service
Labeling Fact Review Methods – TTB periodically reviews labeling and advertising claims by taking samples of alcohol beverage products for validation purposes. TTB’s “Alcohol Fact Labeling Methods” page provides details on this process.
Pre-COLA Evaluation – For many alcohol beverage products, TTB requires a product evaluation to determine whether a proposed label identifies the product in an adequate and non-misleading way. Visit TTB’s “Formulation” pages to learn more.
Customer Service Standards – Labeling – TTB is committed to providing exceptional service. Learn about our standards.

Mandatory Labeling Requirements

Distilled Spirits – The basics of distilled spirits labeling.
Malt Beverages – The basics of malt beverage labeling.

COLAs Guidance

Certification/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval (COLA) – Alcohol producers must apply for a COLA and follow TTB’s labeling and advertising regulations.
COLAs Online – COLAs Online is an Internet based system that allows registered industry members to complete the label certification and approval process online.
COLAs Online Application Process – New process and suggestions for reducing delays in COLAs Online submissions
Retention of COLAs by Alcohol Wholesalers – TTB guidance for retention of COLAs by alcohol wholesalers.
Release Notices - An archive of the release notices containing details of the features, functions, and changes included with a given release of COLAs Online.
COLAs Online eNews – A quarterly electronic newsletter designed with the users of our Web-based label approval system in mind.

Marketing-based Sampling Program Results

Daily Averages for Processing Electronic Label Applications

Page last reviewed/updated: 08/31/2012

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