September 28, 2012
Greetings! We hope you are having an accurate and happy week! This edition includes new registration requirements for exporters, state regulator contacts from our Web site, the common Web site advertising mistakes that we observe, and announces the recent publication of three final rules related to wine labeling.
In the TTB Newsletter, we compile the top TTB news of the week and other helpful information about the Bureau and the Federal alcohol and tobacco laws and regulations we enforce. Please send any questions or comments to the Executive Liaison for Industry Matters at IndustryLiaison@ttb.gov and/or StateLiaison@ttb.gov. |
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Check out the TTB.gov Tour for an online guide that walks you through the new features.
CHINA-DECREE 55-NEW REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPORTERS
As a courtesy for U.S. beverage alcohol exporters, TTB provides the following information for interested beverage alcohol exporters to China. The General Administration of Quality Supervision (AQSIQ) China, published Notice # 55 (2012) requiring registration with its Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureau for exporters and importers of food products to China. The new regulation will come into force on October 1, 2012. The AQSIQ developed an E-filing system that can be accessed via this Web site: http://ire.eciq.cn (bilingual). All direct exporters and foreign agents are required to register.
Based on TTB's review of the registration Web site and the User Manual V1.0 (English), and conversations with our AQSIQ counterparts, we note the following important points:
- The registration process begins October 1, 2012. If you have items in transit you should register early to avoid delays.
- We understand that exporters only need to register once.
- You will need to remember your Filing Code (Registration) Number and Query Number. This will allow you to log on to make changes or update your information.
- Your Chinese Trade Partner (importer) has to register separately and will be assigned a separate Filing Code (registration number).
- The registration form for exporters can be filled out in English. However, in Section 3 you will need to type in or cut and paste, in Chinese, the company name, address, and the name of the contact person of your in-country Chinese Trade Partner. So have this information available before registering.
- Trade Partners can be added or deleted in Section 3 of the registration form.
- From reviewing background information concerning this change, the Filing Code (registration number) may be needed on your export documents. It is recommended that you at least start adding it to your shipping documents on or after October 1, 2012.
- Please note that the English translation does contain some errors. "Contractor" should be "Contact". "Filing Code" should be interpreted to mean registration number.
As more information becomes available, we will provide an update on the TTB Web site. Questions: Please contact the International Trade Division at 202-453-2260 or via email at ITD@TTB.GOV.
Read more about the import/export requirements for China
STATE REGULATOR CONTACTS (ALSO INCLUDES CANADA AND PUERTO RICO)
One of our most popular Web site pages is the State Regulator contacts list.
The following directory provides the contact information for each state and a link to their Web site. Please contact those states directly wherein you desire to do business.
COMMON WEBSITE ADVERTISING MISTAKES
The Advertising, Labeling, and Formulation Division (ALFD) of TTB sees a wide range of mistakes when reviewing advertisements on alcohol beverage websites of our regulated industry members. We'd like to share with you some of the most common mistakes we find.
1. Mandatory statements are missing, such as:
- the name and address of the responsible advertiser
- the alcohol content (percent alcohol by volume) of distilled spirits
2. False or misleading health claims or health-related statements are made, such as:
- "will improve memory"
- "no headaches"
- "provides energy"
3. Statements that create a misleading impression about the identity, origin, or other characteristics of the product.
4. A product label depicted on a bottle in the advertisement is not a reproduction of the approved label.
5. A calorie or carbohydrate claim is made but no statement of average analysis appears on the Web site.
For more information on advertising, please read our brochure What You Should Know About Advertising Alcohol Beverage Products.
TTB PUBLISHES THREE FINAL RULES IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER RELATED TO WINE LABELING
Vintage Date Requirements. In T.D. TTB-105, Revision to Vintage Date Requirements, TTB amends the wine labeling regulations at 27 CFR 4.27 to allow a vintage date to appear on a wine labeled with a country as an appellation of origin. This amendment will provide greater flexibility to winemakers, both domestic and foreign, while still ensuring that consumers are provided with adequate information as to the identity and quality of wines they purchase. TTB undertook this rulemaking in response to a petition from the European Commission. This final rule is effective on November 13, 2012. You may view all documents and comments related to this amendment within Docket No. TTB-2011-0008 at Regulations.gov.
Middleburg Virginia Viticultural Area. In T.D. TTB-106, Establishment of the Middleburg Virginia Viticultural Area, TTB establishes the nearly 200-square mile "Middleburg Virginia" American viticultural area in portions of Fauquier and Loudoun Counties in northern Virginia. This new area is not within, nor does it overlap, any existing viticultural area. TTB undertook this rulemaking action in response to a petition from a local vineyard and winery operator. This rule is effective on October 15, 2012. All documents and comments related to this rulemaking are posted within Docket No. TTB-2011-0009 at Regulations.gov.
Inwood Valley Viticultural Area. In T.D. TTB-107, Establishment of the Inwood Valley Viticultural Area, TTB establishes the 28,400-acre "Inwood Valley" American viticultural area in Shasta County in northern California. This new area is not within, nor does it overlap, any existing viticultural area. TTB undertook this rulemaking action in response to a petition from a local vineyard owner. This rule is effective on October 15, 2012. All documents and comments related to this rulemaking are posted within Docket No. TTB-2011-0011 at Regulations.gov.