Wine Import & Sales Compliance Guide

Federal Requirements - TTB

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Access the TTB website at www.ttb.gov/applications

Form 5100.24 - Application for Basic Permit under Federal Alcohol Administration Act
Form 5000.9 - Personnel Questionnaire
Form 5100.21 - Application for Operating Permit under 26 U.S.C. 5171
Form 5120.36 - Application for Wine Producer and Blender Basic Permit

FDA Registration

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Register at www.access.fda.gov

Food Facility Registration
FSVP (Foreign Supplier Verification Program) Registration

Customs and Border Protection

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Access the CBP Trade Portal at www.cbp.gov/trade

Importing wine requires careful coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The following forms and registrations are essential for clearing customs efficiently:

Form 7501 (Entry Summary) - This crucial document declares the value, classification, and rate of duty for your imported wines. It must be filed within 10 working days of the wine's entry.
Form 3461 (Entry/Immediate Delivery) - Used for immediate release of your shipment. This form includes critical information about the wine's origin, quantity, and value.
ACE Portal Registration - The Automated Commercial Environment is your primary interface for submitting import documentation. Registration requires:
- Company details and EIN
- Proof of identity
- Bond information

State-Specific Requirements

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Each state maintains unique requirements for wine importation and distribution. Understanding these variations is crucial for compliance:

California

Access forms at www.abc.ca.gov/licensing/license-forms

Form ABC-217 - Primary license application requiring:
- Detailed business plan
- Premises diagram
- Financial disclosure
Form ABC-243 - Direct shipper permit allowing shipment to California residents

New York

Access forms at sla.ny.gov/forms-quick-find

Wholesaler's License Application - Requires:
- Certificate of Authority to Collect Sales Tax
- Warehouse compliance certification
- Background check documentation
Direct Ship License - Enables direct-to-consumer shipping with specific volume limitations

Massachusetts

Access forms at www.mass.gov/guides/alcoholic-beverage-license-application

For additional resources, visit TTB International Affairs Resources for Georgia.

Form ABCC-1 - Application for a license to sell alcoholic beverages requiring:
- Proof of citizenship or legal residency
- Local licensing authority approval
- Background check
Direct Shipment Permit - Allows for direct shipment of wine to Massachusetts residents, subject to:
- Registration with the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
- Payment of applicable fees

Shipping Carrier Requirements

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Establishing relationships with approved carriers is essential for wine distribution. Each carrier has specific requirements and protocols:

FedEx Wine Shipping Program

Register at www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/alcohol

Alcohol Shipping Agreement - Comprehensive contract covering:
- Age verification procedures
- Packaging requirements
- Insurance specifications
Account Requirements
- Copies of federal and state permits
- Proof of insurance
- Business verification documents

Payment Processing

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Processing payments for alcohol sales requires specialized merchant accounts that understand the unique requirements of the industry:

Merchant Account Options

Authorize.net - www.authorize.net
- High-risk merchant services
- Age verification integration
- State-specific compliance tools
Square for Retail - www.square.com/solutions/restaurants-bars
- Integrated POS systems
- Inventory management
- Compliance reporting
Stripe - www.stripe.com
- Flexible payment processing
- Support for high-risk industries
- Customizable checkout solutions
Shopify Payments - www.shopify.com/payment-gateway
- Integrated payment processing for e-commerce
- Easy setup for online stores
- Compliance with PCI standards

Important Considerations

Many forms require notarization before submission
Some applications must be submitted in person or via certified mail
Supporting documentation requirements vary by jurisdiction
Processing times can range from weeks to months
Many permits require regular renewal and ongoing compliance reporting
Some jurisdictions require bonds or proof of financial responsibility
Local business licenses may be required in addition to alcohol-specific permits

Importing Wines from Georgia to Massachusetts

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Georgia, known for its 8,000-year winemaking tradition, represents a unique opportunity in the Massachusetts wine market. The state's UNESCO-recognized Qvevri winemaking method and natural wine traditions align well with Massachusetts' sophisticated wine consumers. Here's what you need to know about importing Georgian wines to Massachusetts:

Massachusetts Labeling Requirements

Massachusetts has specific labeling requirements that must be met before Georgian wines can be sold in the state:

Mandatory Label Elements:
- Brand name must be prominently displayed in minimum 2mm lettering
- Class/type designation (e.g., "Red Wine," "White Wine") in English
- Name and address of importer prefixed with "Imported By"
- Net contents in metric measurements
- Alcohol content stated as "X% ALC/VOL"
- Government health warning in specified format
Georgian-Specific Requirements:
- All Georgian text must have English translation
- PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) regions must be accurately translated
- Traditional terms like "Qvevri" must include explanation in English
- Vintage year must be verified and match documentation

Documentation and Compliance

Required Georgian Documentation:
- VI-1 form from Georgian National Wine Agency
- Certificate of Origin showing PDO status if applicable
- Laboratory analysis from approved Georgian facility
- Qvevri certification if traditional method used
Massachusetts Filing Requirements:
- Brand registration with ABCC: $50 per label
- Monthly excise tax reports
- Annual volume reports
- Direct shipping permit if applicable

Financial Considerations

Import Duties and Fees:
- Federal: 14.9¢/liter for still wines under 14% ABV
- MA State tax: $0.55/gallon
- Label registration: $50/label annually
- Quality control testing: $200-300 per SKU
Transportation Costs:
- Sea freight (Poti to Boston): $2,500-4,000/container
- Temperature-controlled storage: $2-3/case/month
- Insurance: 1-1.5% of declared value
- Last-mile delivery: $25-35/pallet

Process Timeline

Pre-Import Phase (6-8 weeks):
- Label approval: 2-3 weeks
- Brand registration: 1-2 weeks
- Georgian documentation: 2-3 weeks
Import Phase (4-5 weeks):
- Ocean transit: 18-25 days
- Customs clearance: 3-5 days
- State inspection: 1-2 days

Massachusetts Market Considerations

Target Markets:
- Natural wine focused retailers
- Eastern European specialty stores
- High-end wine shops in Boston metro area
- Restaurant groups specializing in European cuisine