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TTB Newsletter 
The TTB Newsletter is our weekly electronic news source. Each edition contains the top TTB news of the week and other helpful information about TTB and the federal alcohol and tobacco laws and regulations we enforce. It is a great way to keep up to date with the latest from TTB!
Please send questions or comments about the TTB Newsletter to TTB's Office of Industry and State Outreach.
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Browse the Most Recent Editions by Month
December 2020 | November 2020 | October 2020 | September 2020 | August 2020 | July 2020 | June 2020 | May 2020 | April 2020 | March 2020 | February 2020 | January 2020 | December 2019 | November 2019 | October 2019 | September 2019 | August 2019 | July 2019 | June 2019 | May 2019 | April 2019 | March 2019 | February 2019 | January 2019
December 11, 2020
This week we’re providing a reminder and some tips for alcohol industry members eligible for annual filing.
December 4, 2020
This week we're highlighting information about how to access lists of TTB Basic Permit holders, the top five search terms people used on TTB.gov last month, and a system outage alert for next week.
December 3, 2020 - Special Edition
David M. Wulf Appointed TTB Deputy Administrator
November 27, 2020
This week we're highlighting information about our trade practice video series, how to stay informed about TTB system outages, and our whistleblower program.
November 20, 2020
This week’s top news includes the establishment of the Tehachapi Mountains AVA, and information for domestic brewers about who should apply for label approval in contract brewing and alternating proprietorship arrangements.
November 13, 2020
This week’s top news includes two American Viticultural Area (AVA) proposals, and information about applying to establish a new AVA or modify an existing one.
November 6, 2020
This week’s top news includes a new grape variety approved to designate American wine, an opportunity to comment on several information collections, information about 2 OICs we accepted to settle tax liabilities, and a system outage alert for next week.
October 30, 2020
This week’s top news includes some handy tips for speeding up your TTB approvals by avoiding some of the common errors we see on beer labels and alcohol beverage formulas.
October 23, 2020
This week’s top news includes information for industry members whose operations have been impacted by a natural disaster, proposals for two new American Viticultural Areas, and information about how to comment on proposed changes to TTB regulations.
October 16, 2020
This week’s top news includes our recent ruling updating our policy on gluten content statements, a reminder to check out our online tool for determining if you need to get formula approval for your alcohol beverage, and an announcement on an accepted settlement agreement for alleged violations of the tax code.
October 13, 2020 - Special Edition
In response to changes to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, we are updating our policy on gluten content statements on labels and in advertisements for wines, distilled spirits, and malt beverages regulated under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act)
October 9, 2020
This week’s top news includes the selection of Michael Warren as the head of our beverage formula office, a reminder that quarterly returns are due next week, and COLAs Online can now detect poor image quality.
October 2, 2020
This week’s top news includes an expansion of the tolerances for calorie statements on alcohol labels and in advertisements, proposals for three new AVAs, and travelers returning to the U.S. may no longer bring back with them alcohol beverages, cigars and other tobacco products of Cuban origin for personal use.
September 25, 2020
This week's top news includes an update on the TTB leadership team including the selection of Emily Streett, a new AVA called Candy Mountain, and two permit suspensions following a trade practice investigation.
September 18, 2020
This week's top news includes a link to our state ABC page, and two opportunities to become part of the TTB team.
September 11, 2020
This week’s top news includes a reminder to brewers about TTB formula requirements, and notice that there are extra semi-monthly tax return periods and due dates in September.
September 4, 2020
We wish all of our subscribers a very enjoyable Labor Day weekend. This week’s top news includes 5 grape varieties that received administrative approval for use on American wine labels, the establishment of the Royal Slope AVA, some improvements we’ve made to COLAs Online and Formulas Online, an announcement about how to comment on 19 of TTB’s forms and other information collection instruments, and an system outage notice for TTBOnline applications.
August 28, 2020
This week’s top news includes the launch of our annual TTB satisfaction survey, the establishment of Alisos Canyon AVA, information about rules for transferring unlabeled bottles of wine between bonded wine premises, and an announcement about scheduled maintenance for our TTB Online Systems over the weekend.
August 21, 2020
This week’s top news includes relief options available to industry members impacted by a natural disaster, information about how you can request TTB participation in your 2021 conferences, and notice of a Pay.gov outage tomorrow, August 22.
August 14, 2020
This week's top news includes a reminder about health claims in alcohol beverage advertisements, and tips to avoid problems with the Government Warning on alcohol beverage labels. Also, our TTB Online systems will be unavailable overnight August 20 while we perform maintenance.
August 12, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition announces the selection of Mary Ryan as Administrator of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
August 7, 2020
This week's top news includes information about paying your taxes online via Pay.gov, a notice of USDA rulemaking on enforcing the Organic Program, and a TTB vacancy announcement for specialist positions in Cincinnati.
July 31, 2020
This week’s top news: open comment period on information collection requirements, resources available to distillers on the subject of proofing, and information about the TTB and IRS Whistleblower program.
July 24, 2020
This week’s top news includes proposed changes to the Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco AVAs, new downloadable distilled spirits bootcamp presentations, and information about our laboratories passing the annual International Organization for Standardization (ISO) audit.
July 17, 2020
This week’s top news: we’re offering a webinar on malt beverge labeling, our laboratories are in the process of reopening, certain TTB regulated industry members are subject to FDA inspections, and kombucha may be regulated by TTB.
July 13, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition is a reminder that postponed tax filings and payments are due.
July 10, 2020
In this week’s top news we are announcing that a new free trade agreement for North America has entered into force, we’ve accepted an offer in compromise from Anheuser Busch for alleged trade practice violations, and we’ll be presenting TTB distilled spirits training at a virtual conference next week.
July 2, 2020
We wish all our U.S. readers a very happy Independence Day! This week’s top news includes an invite to visit our AVA Reading Room, and a call for qualified candidates for the Assistant Administrator, Headquarters Operations Senior Executive Service position.
June 26, 2020
This week’s top news includes information about our policy on beer growlers and crowlers, the AVA proposal for Tehachapi Mountains, a new way for tobacco companies to pay Special Occupational Tax (SOT) online, and a call for qualified candidates for the TTB Director, Application Services position.
June 24, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition announces updated information about TTB extending the waiver of Notice of Intent (NOI) requirements for beer destructions.
June 19, 2020
This week’s top news includes a new way for tobacco companies to pay SOT online, two new grape varieties that can be used on American wine labels, additional slots have been opened for our free wine labeling webinar, and a call for qualified candidates for the TTB Assistant Administrator, Headquarters Operations position.
June 12, 2020
This week’s top news includes a free webinar on wine labeling, a call for qualified candidates for the TTB Assistant Administrator, Headquarters Operations position, and an update to the contact information for our Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division.
June 5, 2020
This week’s top news includes the establishment of two new AVAs, the deactivation of an ALFD email address, the finalization of bond and filing frequency temporary regulations, and the 30-day suspension of a tobacco manufacturer’s permit.
May 29, 2020
This week’s top news announces proposals to establish the Palos Verdes Peninsula, White Bluffs, and The Burn of Columbia Valley viticultural areas.
May 22, 2020
This week’s top news includes our uploaded TTB Bootcamp for Brewers presentations, and a tip for speedy label approval.
May 18, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition announces new guidance about the tax-free withdrawal of distilled spirits and products containing distilled spirits for hand sanitizer purposes under the CARES Act.
May 15, 2020
This week our top news is a new FAQ on virtual wine tasting rooms, an FDA petition that expands the use of spirulina extract to alcohol beverages (among other things), and several TTB forms/information collections that are open for public comment. Also, our TTB Online systems will be unavailable overnight May 21 while we perform maintainance.
May 8, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition announces a new industry circular at TTB.gov that addresses issues relating to trade practice enforcement during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
May 8, 2020
This week we are pleased to announce that one of our own is a recipient of the Department of the Treasury 2020 Leadership Legacy Honors.
May 1, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition announces new frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the destruction of unmerchantable beer and recovery of taxes paid, including the waiver of certain requirements for beer destructions and using beer to make hand sanitizer at a distillery.
May 1, 2020
This week we are announcing some changes to our leadership team and encouraging the use of online filing options.
April 24, 2020
This week we invite you to view our application processing times pages, and we share information from CBP relating to the COVID-19 temporary postponement of due dates for importers.
April 20, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition announces the extension of TTB hand sanitizer guidance through December 2020 and provides an update on TTB laboratory services.
April 10, 2020
This week's top news includes an invitation to try our anatomy of a wine label tool, and a job announcement for an investigator position in California.
April 3, 2020
This week’s news is that we’ve made improvements to COLAs Online, and our online systems will be unavailable overnight April 9 while we perform maintainance.
April 1, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition announces that TTB issued a final rule to address certain proposals included in Notice 176, Modernization of the Labeling and Advertising Regulations for Wine, Distilled Spirits, and Malt Beverages.
March 31, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition announces a 90-day postponement for most TTB excise tax-related filings.
March 30, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition announces our new COVID-19 page on TTB.gov and a new online method to submit claims for tax refunds.
March 26, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition contains updated hand sanitizer guidance to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 24, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition contains laboratory service delays due to the COVID-19 emergency.
March 20, 2020 - Special Edition
This special edition contains tips for timely processing of your submissions during the COVID-19 emergency.
March 13, 2020
This week’s top news includes COVID-19 related topics, as well as the publication of our 2019 annual report.
March 6, 2020
This week’s top news includes the opening of the spring cycle of the TTB Chemist Certification Program, and the recruitment of three statisticians in Washington, DC.
February 28, 2020
This week’s top news includes a proposal to establish the Verde Valley AVA, a reminder that you still have time to take our survey and share your thoughts on service improvements we’re considering, reminders about filing your tax returns and operational reports on time, and two paid internships currently available in TTB Headquarters.
February 21, 2020
This week’s top news includes two new grape varieties that are approved for American wine, where to go to get TTB training, and a survey invite offering you the opportunity to share your thoughts on some service improvements we’re considering.
February 14, 2020
This week's top news includes upgrades to the wine section of our popular online formula tool and a few updates to our polices, details about a new wine treating material we've granted administrative approval, and a survey invite offering you the opportunity to share your thoughts on some TTB service improvements we're considering.
February 7, 2020
This week’s top news includes an announcement about the alcohol beverage industry survey we’re launching next week to gather your feedback on potential improvements to our services, an OMB request for comments on reforming federal regulatory enforcement and adjudication, and a recent guilty plea in a contraband cigarette case.
February 3, 2020
This week’s top news includes some leadership updates at TTB and new compliance guidance from TTB’s CiderCon Workshop.
January 17, 2020
This week’s top news includes information about our trade practices video series, the updated list of chemists certified to perform export analyses, and two recent OICs accepted following trade practice investigations.
January 10, 2020
This week’s top news includes a minor correction we’ve made to the 2020 semi-monthly tax return due dates listing, a change in the minimum sale age for tobacco, and information about several TTB information collections that are open for comment.
January 3, 2020
This week’s top news includes the 2020 due dates for tax returns and operational reports (plus how to receive automated email reminders when it’s time to file), how to find upcoming events where you can meet and learn from TTB employees, and information about our handy AVA mapping tool.
December 23, 2019 - Special Edition
This special edition announces that the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 have been extended through 2020.
December 20, 2019
This week’s top news includes information for alcohol taxpayers who will file one annual return for 2019, and a reminder that our Temporary Voluntary Disclosure Program will end at the end of the month.
December 13, 2019
This week’s top news includes a recent agreement between TTB and the IRS formalizing procedures to process whistleblower claims, and information about when frozen dessert products are classified as distilled spirits.
December 6, 2019
This week’s top news includes hints for speeding up your formula approval times, and notification of upcoming Permits Online maintenance.
November 27, 2019
We’d like to wish all of our readers a very Happy Thanksgiving. This week’s top news includes the semi-annual publication of our regulatory priorities, the window is closing on making voluntary disclosures of unreported changes in control or proprietorship through Industry Circular 2019-2, and we recently accepted an offer in compromise from a California wine company.
November 22, 2019
This week’s top news includes a reminder to file your operational reports on time, tips when calling TTB for assistance, an opportunity to comment on TTB information collections, and a guilty plea in a criminal case in which TTB participated.
November 15, 2019
This week we’re highlighting information about changes you can make to approved alcohol labels without getting a new COLA, and the temporary voluntary disclosure program for alcohol wholesalers and importers who have unreported changes in control or proprietorship.
November 8, 2019
As part of our ongoing effort to provide on-demand educational information we are announcing two new offerings - a video series on the basics of trade practices and new and improved wine labeling pages.
November 1, 2019
This week's top news includes how industry members impacted by the recent wildfires in California may obtain a waiver of penalties for not timely filing or paying excise taxes, and tips for using the smart form version of the TTB excise tax return.
October 25, 2019 - This week’s top news includes tips about how to avoid having your beer labels returned for correction due to errors in the net content statements, and an invitation to review our current strategic plans to see what our priorities are.
October 18, 2019 - This week's top news includes the launch of our TTB outreach page on TTB.gov, new acting designations, information about updates to New Zealand wine labeling law, and two new proposed AVAs.
October 11, 2019 - This week’s top news includes information about the establishment of the Eastern Connecticut Highlands AVA, our new temporary voluntary disclosure program video series, seven vacancies we are looking to fill, and an information collection notice out for comment.
October 4, 2019 - This week’s top news includes helpful tips for creating distilled spirits labels that comply with TTB regulations, a reminder to mail tax returns to the correct address, and details about a recently-accepted OIC from a California firearms manufacturer.
October 1, 2019 - Special Edition
This special edition announces TTB’s AVA Map Explorer where you can view maps of American Viticultural Areas and more!
September 27, 2019
This week’s top news includes information about conditionally approved COLAs, a chemist vacancy announcement for our National Laboratory, and a notification that TTB’s online systems will not be available this weekend.
September 23, 2019 - Special Edition
This special edition announces new videos designed to help alcohol wholesalers and importers who want to participate in our Temporary Voluntary Disclosure Program.
September 20, 2019
This week’s top news includes tips to prevent your labels from being returned for correction, and an OIC we accepted from a distilled spirits plant.
September 13, 2019
This week’s top news includes that we’ve extended the comment period for the standards of fill rulemaking proposals, and a reminder that there are 3 excise tax return periods in September.
September 6, 2019
This week’s top news includes that we’re about to make some changes to our website, we’re looking for good candidates to fill an auditor position in Tampa, and we’ve resolved a recent case by accepting an offer in compromise.
August 30, 2019
This week’s top news includes some changes coming to our website. Find out how it will affect your experience on TTB.gov.
August 23, 2019
This week’s top news includes that we’re proposing a new AVA called “Candy Mountain,” and an Oregon wine company served a one-day permit suspension for trade practice violations.
August 16, 2019
This week’s top news includes information about the new conditionally approved status in COLAs Online, and we are looking to fill an investigator position.
August 9, 2019
This week’s top news includes information about our temporary voluntary disclosure program for wholesalers and importers of alcohol beverages to address unreported changes in control or proprieto
August 2, 2019
This week’s top news includes that our laboratories have achieved two-year ISO 17025 re-accreditation, our formula webpage study is now closed, and we’re hiring in our Office of Analytics.
July 26, 2019
This week’s top news includes an invitation to help us improve the beverage formula section of our website, registration information about our webinar next week on malt beverage formulas, and information about two offers in compromise we recently accepted for alleged excise tax violations.
July 19, 2019
This week’s top news includes the establishment of the Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County AVA, information about a webinar on malt beverage formulas, how to register for our last TTB Trade Practice Seminar, and news that we recently certified 160 new individuals in our Chemist Certification Program.
July 12, 2019
This week's top news includes a reminder that it's time to file quarterly tax returns and operational reports. Also, if you're a cider company, you may want to check out our Cider Resources page, and we recently accepted an offer in compromise from a distillery.
July 7, 2019 - Special Edition
This special edition of the TTB Newsletter announces a new Temporary Voluntary Disclosure Program to allow alcohol wholesalers and importers to come into compliance for unreported changes in control and proprietorship.
July 3, 2019
This week’s top news includes that we recently published two rulemaking documents proposing to eliminate most standard container sizes for wine and distilled spirits, we’ve posted the presentation we used at a recent webinar on the new Conditionally Approved status in COLAs Online, we’re seeking candidates for an Assistant Chief Information Officer, three wineries recently served permit suspensions for trade practice violations, and a reminder to register for our last trade practice seminars.
June 28, 2019
This week’s top news includes information about a TTB job vacancy in Puerto Rico, the new COLAs Online status of Conditionally Approved, our state ABC contact page, and the sentencing of a man convicted of cigarette smuggling.
June 21, 2019
This week’s top news includes that we recently launched our AVA Reading Room on TTB.gov, we’re proposing the “Tualatin Hills" and “Laurelwood District” AVAs, we’re offering a free webinar next week on the new Conditionally Approved status in COLAs Online, and a reminder to take our 2019 TTB Satisfaction Survey.
June 14, 2019
This week’s top news includes that soon COLAs Online will include a new application status called “Conditionally Approved,” we have open job postings for auditors and an attorney advisor, and a criminal case TTB participated in has resulted in a guilty plea.
June 7, 2019
This week’s top news includes an upcoming TTB webinar on how to use Formulas Online for alcohol beverages, and that we are requesting comments on a number of TTB information collections.
June 6, 2019 - Special Edition
This special edition of the TTB Newsletter announces that Mary Ryan has been appointed Acting TTB Administrator, and Daniel Riordan has been appointed Acting Deputy Administrator.
May 31, 2019
This week’s top news includes information about how to register for one of our remaining trade practice seminars, details about the spring edition of the Unified Agenda, and a notice that we’re hiring two regulations specialists.
May 28, 2019 - Special Edition
In this special edition of the TTB Newsletter, we announce with deep sadness and regret the passing of our Administrator, John Manfreda.
May 24, 2019
This week’s top news includes how to avoid one of the most common reasons why we send alcohol beverage labels back for correction, two recently accepted tax-related and one trade practice-related offers in compromise, registration information for our May 28 wine formula basics webinar, and encouragement for DSP proprietors to view our distilled spirits proofing videos.
May 17, 2019
This week’s top news includes some of the most common reasons why we return alcohol beverage formulas for correction. Also, two of our senior leaders were recently awarded the 2019 Treasury Leadership Legacy Honor, and we're hiring an alcohol labeling specialist in Washington, DC.
May 10, 2019
This week’s top news includes information to help you file your TTB applications and forms online. We’ve also included information about an arrest made in a criminal case related to tobacco excise tax.
May 3, 2019
This week’s top news includes a new statement on using hemp ingredients in alcohol beverages, an opportunity to attend one of our educational seminars on trade practices, and an announcement about new FAQs at our CBMTRA page.
April 26, 2019
This week’s top news includes that we have published the educational TTB Bootcamp for Brewers presentation we recently gave at the Craft Brewers Conference, we’re providing guidance about what file types may be safely uploaded in Permits Online, and we’re hiring a TTB auditor in Cincinnati.
April 19, 2019
In this week’s top news, we encourage you to sign up to use Pay.gov, and we’re hiring a TTB investigator in Los Angeles.
April 12, 2019
This week’s top news includes the top 5 reasons why you should file your permit applications online vs. mailing paper forms, plus information about our fiscal year 2018 annual report that is now available online, and an adjustment to the civil penalty for violations of ABLA.
April 5, 2019
This week’s top news includes the selection of Kaori Flores as the new supervisor over distilled spirits and malt beverage labeling, information about an investigator job opening, two offers in compromise that were accepted following trade practice investigations, and a reminder to register for one of our upcoming trade practice seminars.
March 29, 2019
This week’s top news includes a vacancy announcement for two positions at the NRC, an OIC accepted from Sun Liquor Mfg. for alleged IRC violations, and we are requesting comments on a number of information collections (primarily TTB forms).
March 22, 2019
This week’s top news includes a new FAQ about ice cream and other frozen products made with distilled spirits, what’s new in Permits Online, and a reminder to register for one our free trade practice seminars.
March 19, 2019 - Special Edition
This special edition of the TTB Newsletter announces that we have extended for an additional 90 days the comment period for our rulemaking to modernize the labeling and advertising regulations for wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages.
March 15, 2019
This week’s top news includes an award presented to two of our managers in ALFD, a TTB Tip about how to use the information found on our application processing times pages, Permits Online will be down for system upgrade this weekend, and FDA is presenting a free webinar on the transfer of heavy metals to wine and beer when using diatomaceous earth for filtration.
March 8, 2019
This week’s top news includes the location of the Seattle TTB trade practice seminars, a common error we encounter in beverage alcohol formula submissions, and a call for applications for the TTB Chemist Certification Program.
March 1, 2019
This week's top news includes a reminder to be sure to use the correct address when mailing excise tax returns and payment to avoid potential penalties and interest, we’ve added 5 new grape varieties to the list of names granted administrative approval for use on American wine, we've recently updated the Federal Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Return, and the U.S. Codex Office will be holding a public meeting in March in advance of the next meeting of the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues.
February 22, 2019
This week’s top news includes two changes to our executive staff, registration is open for our free trade practice seminars, and links to helpful information about alcohol beverage formulas.
February 15, 2019
This week’s top news includes that we have reopened the comment period for the proposed establishment of the West Sonoma Coast AVA, we’ve resolved 7 trade practice cases stemming on a 2018 joint TTB/California ABC investigation, and we’re providing information about how to use the Public COLA Registry.
February 8, 2019
This week’s top news includes that registration is now open for 2019 trade practice seminars, Nick Colucci and Marc Young have joined the TTB leadership team, and an announcement about alcohol trade continuity agreements signed by the US and UK in preparation for Brexit.
February 1, 2019
This week’s top news includes three new grape varieties approved for use on American wine labels, and a notice that the USDA National Organic List has been updated.
January 31, 2019
The federal government has reopened and that means TTB is back to work! This special edition of the TTB Newsletter contains information for those impacted by the shutdown about our current state of affairs and our plans for resuming normal operations as soon as we can.
CONTACT US
Please send any questions or comments about the TTB Newsletter to the Office of Industry and State Outreach. For other matters see our Contact Us page.