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While patience is a long standing member of the virtue list, it’s not always easy. But a little patience goes a long way when dealing with regulatory compliance matters like certificate of label approvals (COLAs). The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) began accepting COLA applications online several years ago, which reduced the processing time for new COLA applications to just a few days. In their ongoing efforts to streamline their processes for industry members, the TTB began accepting formulas and permit applications online as well. More recently, the TTB announced a streamlined approval process along with the end of expedited review (previously discussed here and here). Notwithstanding these efforts, the volume of COLA applications has continued to swell with processing times becoming progressively longer. To help people estimate their wait time the TTB is now providing average COLA processing times through its website (the information is in a chart on the upper right hand side of the page) or by phone (dial 1-866-927-2533, press 4 for malt beverages and distilled spirits labels and 6 for wine labels). Given government budgets cuts and increases in label approval applications, it seems likely that the days of getting labels approved in four or five days are not likely to return.  The federal labeling regulations allow the TTB to take up to 90 days to approve a COLA application. 27 C.F.R. § 13.21(b) (2011). Processing times currently are much shorter than that, but industry members should plan accordingly and allow at least 30 days for label approval through COLAs Online.  The attorneys are Strike & Techel are available if you need assistance with TTB regulatory matters, including COLAs.

Imbiblog is published for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Copyright © 2010-2011 · All Rights Reserved ·

Today the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) launched their Permits Online system, which is available here. The system is a counterpart to the Formulas Online and COLAs Online systems. The Permits Online system allows the application procedure for federal alcohol and tobacco business permits to be completed entirely online. The system allows one to prepare, submit and track applications through the TTB’s online portal, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But as with many technology innovations and advances, there is often a corresponding down side. A few weeks ago, the TTB announced that they are no longer accepting “Expedite Requests” or “Informal Reviews” for certificate of label approvals (COLAs) and formula approvals. The former expedite option allowed for rapid turnaround of approvals that was especially helpful for the industry at large.

With a dramatic increase in approval requests over the years, coupled with shrinking governmental budgets, the TTB decided that all applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, without any expedite availability. Further, the TTB stated that applicants should plan for a full 90-day review period, which does not include any additional time that could be necessary if label or formula changes are requested. The TTB did note that online applications are processed about twice as fast as paper applications, so there is a real incentive to using the online portals. If you have an upcoming formula approval or COLA, be sure to factor in enough time for the TTB’s review given that the expedite option is no longer available. If you have questions about formula or label approvals, please feel free to call any of the attorneys at Strike & Techel.

Imbiblog is published for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Copyright © 2010-2011 · All Rights Reserved ·