TTB Newsletter

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 and/or comments to Susan Stewart Evans, Executive Liaison for Industry Matters (susan.stewart-evans@ttb.gov) and/or Frosty Chapman, State Liaison (forrest.chapman@ttb.gov).

TTB Newsletter Archives

INDUSTRY CIRCULAR 2007-3 - UPDATE FOR MEXICO

TTB's International Trade Division would like to inform all interested parties who import tequila into the United States that TTB is in the process of updating information found in Industry Circular 2007-3 regarding tequila. The updated information is as follows:

The "Certificado de Autenticidad para la Exportacion de Tequila (Certificate of Authenticity for Exports of Tequila)" is the official certificate that attests to the authenticity of Tequila exported to the United States. In compliance with 27 CFR 5.52(c), this certificate must accompany all bottled Tequila exports to the United States. In addition, all bottlers of imported bulk Tequila must possess and maintain such certificates for all of their Tequila imports, pursuant to 27 CFR 5.56. These certificates are issued by the Tequila Regulatory Council (Consejo Regulador del Tequila, A.C.) (CRT). Only accredited officials of the CRT are authorized to sign the "Certificado de Autenticidad para la Exportation de Tequila."

CONSUMER CORNER

Part of our (TTB) mission is to protect the public. We want to educate you on how our regulations and laws protect consumers and how you can report suspected violations of those laws or regulations. Additionally, TTB partners with other Federal agencies in creating and enforcing laws to promote industry compliance.

HOME DISTILLING QUESTION AND ANSWER

Q: I've seen ads for home distilling equipment in catalogs ("turn wine into brandy," "make your own essential oils"). Is it legal to buy and use a still like that?

A: Under Federal rules administered by TTB, it depends on how you use the still. You may not produce alcohol with these stills unless you qualify as a distilled spirits plant. However, owning a small still and using it for other purposes is allowed. You should also check with your State and local authorities - their rules may differ.

A still is defined as apparatus capable of being used to separate ethyl alcohol from a mixture that contains alcohol. Small stills (with a cubic distilling capacity of a gallon or less) that are used for laboratory purposes or for distilling water or other non-alcoholic materials are exempt from our rules. If you buy a small still and use it to distill water or extract essential oils by steam or water extraction methods, you are not subject to TTB requirements. If you produce essential oils by a solvent method and you get alcohol as a by-product of your process, we consider that distilling. Even though you are using and recovering purchased alcohol, you are separating the alcohol from a mixture -distilling.