If you’re planning to produce, import, or wholesale alcohol in the United States, you’ll need approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”). The TTB regulates matters pertaining to alcohol production, labeling, advertising, and excise taxes at the federal level. Understanding which permits apply to your business is essential for legal compliance and operational success.
In this article, we outline the main types of TTB permits and what companies typically must obtain a permit.
Basic Permit (Producers, Importers, Wholesalers)
Under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (“FAA”), a Basic Permit is generally required for anyone engaged in:
- Producing, rectifying, storing, and/or bottling distilled spirits for commercial purposes
- Producing, blending, storing, and/or bottling wine for commercial purposes
- Importing alcohol beverages into the United States
- Wholesaling alcohol beverages in interstate commerce
Beer (including malt beverages) producers are generally exempt from needing a Basic Permit, but they are still subject to other TTB requirements (i.e., the Brewer’s Notice).
Brewer’s Notice
If you’re starting a brewery, you must apply for a Brewer’s Notice. This permit authorizes the operation of a brewery and covers:
- Commercial brewing operations
- Recordkeeping and reporting
- Beer labeling and formula approval (if applicable)
TTB distinguishes between different types of breweries—such as breweries versus brewpubs—based on production volume, but all must have an approved Brewer’s Notice before producing beer.
Type of TTB Federal Basic Permit: Bonded Winery Permit
A Bonded Winery permit is generally required to:
- Produce and blend wine
- Store and bottle wine
- Conduct operations such as fermentation, packaging or bottling, and labeling
A bonded winery can also qualify as a Custom Crush or an Alternating Proprietorship facility, depending on how it operates and whether it hosts other producers.
Type of TTB Federal Basic Permit: Distilled Spirits Plant (“DSP”) Permit
Anyone producing, processing, bottling, or warehousing distilled spirits must obtain a Distilled Spirits Plant (“DSP”) Permit. The permit can include different activities, such as:
- Production DSP – to distill spirits from raw materials
- Storage DSP – to store bulk spirits in bond
- Processing DSP – to bottle, rectify, or otherwise handle finished product
DSPs are tightly regulated, and securing this permit requires detailed floorplans, equipment lists, and security protocols.
Type of TTB Federal Basic Permit: Alcohol Fuel Plant Permit (Specialized DSP)
This permit applies to facilities that distill alcohol for fuel use, rather than beverage consumption. While it’s a niche category, an Alcohol Fuel Plant Permit (Specialized DSP) is still regulated by TTB and requires specific approvals based on production volume.
Type of TTB Federal Basic Permit: Importer’s Basic Permit
Companies looking to import alcohol beverages into the U.S. must obtain an Importer’s Basic Permit. This allows you to legally:
- Import alcohol products into the U.S. from foreign producers
- Clear imported goods through U.S. Customs
- Resell the alcohol to licensed distributors
Type of TTB Federal Basic Permit: Wholesaler’s Basic Permit
If your business buys alcohol products from U.S. producers or importers and resells them to retailers or other wholesalers, your company will need a Wholesaler’s Basic Permit. This permit authorizes the legal distribution of alcohol in the U.S. and comes with recordkeeping and reporting obligations.
Do You Need More Than One TTB Permit?
Depending on your business model, your company may need multiple TTB permits or approvals. For example, a company that imports wine and also operates a domestic wine bottling facility may need both an Importer’s Basic Permit and a Bonded Winery Permit. This is all in addition to individual Certificate of Label Approvals (“COLA”) for products the company produces and/or imports..
Each type of activity is separately regulated and understanding how they interconnect is critical for compliance.
Need Help Navigating the TTB Process?
Applying for and maintaining federal permits with the TTB can be complex and time-consuming. At Lindsey Zahn P.C., we help alcohol beverage businesses—wineries, breweries, distilleries, importers, and wholesalers—navigate the permitting process with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re launching a new brand, expanding operations, or importing a product for the first time, we’re here to support your regulatory needs every step of the way.
Lindsey Zahn P.C. focuses on assisting alcohol beverage industry members with obtaining the necessary federal TTB permits and the TTB brewer’s notice. Our firm has years of experience working with TTB and has handled hundreds of original TTB permits and amendment applications. We can help you determine the proper pathway to obtaining a TTB permit, whether or not multiple permits may be required, and assist with drafting the application from start to finish. To discuss your company’s needs and how we can assist you, contact Lindsey Zahn P.C. for an introductory consultation today.