Return to Getting in the Beer Distribution Business Things to know when filing a wholesaler application with the Alcohol and Tobbaco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) Some of the following items are frequently overlooked and are reasons for delay in acting on these applications. What is the business name?
How do I file? You must file the application and supporting documents in duplicate with an original signature. The signature of the person filing the application should be legible and signed in blue ink. A photocopy is sufficient as long as the original signature in blue ink appears on all forms where required. Where is it mailed? Mail the application and supporting documents to the following address: National Revenue Center Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau 8002 Federal Office Building 550 Main St., Ste. 8002 Cincinnati, OH 45202-5215 Please keep a copy of what you send. Can I go ahead and file the paperwork although I’m not quite ready to open for business? You may file your application within 60 days of your opening for business. When TTB receives your application, they will determine if your business is suitable and ready for inspection. How long before I can start business? Once TTB has received a perfected application and supporting documents, their goal is to issue your federal permit within 60 days of receipt of the perfected documents. What is a “perfected application?” TTB considers to be in receipt of a “perfected application” when all of the required forms and supporting documents have been submitted without any errors. You will be contacted by a Specialist for an application interview. A phone number where you can be reached during the day must be included on the application. If I will be doing business under another name (a trade name), what do I need to file? If your local or state authority requires registration of the trade name, you must submit proof of registration. If it is not required, then you must give a statement to that effect. Do I need any other permits or licenses besides the federal permit? You may need other permits or licenses from other government agencies. Check with your local and state authorities to be sure that all permit and licensing requirements are met. You may also need to contact the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Bioterrorism Act of 2002 requires that anyone who manufactures, processes, packs or holds food (including alcohol beverages) for consumption in the United States to register with the FDA. You are also required to provide prior notice of food (including alcohol beverages) to be imported or offered for import to the U.S. For additional information, you may contact the FDA by calling toll-free 1-800-216-7331 or visit their Web site: www.fda.gov/furls. If I want to import alcohol or tobacco products from a foreign country, does TTB need any other information? Yes. You must also attach to the application a contract or letter of intent with foreign suppliers for the products you will import. If I need to get labels approved, should the web site listed be a link? You can file for label approval after you have been issued a permit by TTB. Upon issuance of your permit, you can file electronically by accessing the TTB website at www.colasonline.gov/colasonline or call the Alcohol Labeling and Formulation Division office at 1-866-927-2533. Do I need to get a wholesaler’s basic permit if I am going to sell only the alcohol products I import? No. You only need a wholesaler’s basic permit if you will sell alcohol beverages other than what you directly import. Does TTB have right of entry to my premises? Yes. Any TTB officer may enter your premises (including your storage area) during business hours to examine records or other documents, including inventory, which are required to be kept or stored on the premises.