Home.Obtaining Formula Approval
For many alcohol beverage products, TTB must evaluate the product and approve its formula before issuing a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) to determine whether a proposed label identifies the product in an adequate and non-misleading way. We refer to this requirement as a Pre-COLA Product Evaluation.
There are four types of pre-COLA product evaluation. The type of pre-COLA product evaluation required for a particular product depends on that product’s formulation and origin.
TTB regulations require formulas most commonly when flavoring or coloring materials are added to an alcohol beverage product. Since TTB does not have access to foreign plants, some imported products are subject to laboratory analysis or pre-import formula approval. For further information, visit the Formulation page.
Do I Need Formula Approval for My Product?
To determine if your product requires formula approval and/or laboratory analysis, please use the drop down menus to first select your industry, and then the alcohol beverage product for which you are seeking label approval. Please identify whether the product is domestic or imported, and then click on SHOW ME.
If a formula approval is required, please follow the instructions provided on how to obtain this approval. If no formula approval is required, you are ready to submit your application for label approval.