Industry Circular

Number: 61-24

Date: June 6, 1961

Office of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division

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CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN AND IDENTITY FOR PORTUGUESE "MOSCATEL DE SETUBAL" AND CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN AND IDENTITY AND CERTIFICATES OF AUTHENTICITY OF VINTAGE DATES FOR PORTUGUESE "PORT" WINES.

Importers, and others concerned:

Purpose. The purpose of this circular is to inform importers of Portuguese "Moscatel De Setubal" and "Port" Wine that such wines shipped from foreign ports, on and after July 15, 1961, must be accompanied by appropriate certificates of origin and identity. In addition, in the case of Vintage Port, a certificate of authenticity of vintage date issued under the authority of the Portuguese Government must accompany the goods.

Background. Refer to Industry Circular No. 58-35 dated December 29, 1958, and Industry Circular No. 59-49 dated July 8, 1959.

Conclusion. Under Portuguese law the "Instituto Do Vinho Do Porto" and the "Uniao Vinicola Da Regiao Do 'Moscatel De Setubal'" are authorized to issue the "Certificado de origem de Vinho Do Porto" and the "Certificado de origem de Vinho 'Moscatel De Setubal'" to cover the respective wines exported from Portugal. In addition to a verification of origin and identity, the Certificado de origem de Vinho Do Porto will attest to the accuracy of any vintage date which may appear on the labels for Port Wine.

If these wines are shipped in bulk to other countries for bottling prior to shipment to the United States, they must be covered by appropriate certification before such wines may be released from Customs custody. For example, if Port Wine is shipped from Portugal, in bulk, to England for bottling, the bottled wine, if exported to the United States, must be covered by an appropriate certificate issued by the British Customs and Excise which will be accepted by United States Customs officers in place of the original Portuguese certificates described above.

In order to avoid detention of merchandise at the ports of entry, all importers of Port Wine and Moscatel De Setubal should advise their principals abroad of these provisions.

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

Dwight E. Avis

Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division