TTB Issues Final Rule Modifying Wine Labeling Regulations
On a Federal Register notice published on June 10, 2013, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) issued a final rule to amend their current labeling requirements for wine to allow alcohol content to be listed on other labels affixed to the container rather than requiring that this information be listed on the brand label.

According to the notice, "This regulatory change provides greater flexibility in wine labeling, and will conform the TTB wine labeling regulations to the agreement reached by members of the World Wine Trade Group regarding the presentation of certain information on wine labels."

The World Wine Trade Group (WWTG), formed by government officials and industry representatives, focuses on issues regarding international wine trade. The countries represented in the WWTG are Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Georgia, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.S.

The TTB explains in the notice that the labeling requirements are prescribed in the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), which is administered by the TTB. The FAA Act is intended to ensure that consumers receive correct information on the identity, quality, and alcohol content of the products.

The final rule is effective on August 9, 2013.

The TTB final rule is available online here.