The U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) recently released a new final rule authorizing new standards of fill for wine and distilled spirits containers. The rule, available here, is scheduled to be published today, January 10, 2025. During the notice period, the TTB received nearly 200 comments.
The new rule adds 13 standards of fill for wine and 15 for distilled spirits. Additionally, the final rule eliminates distinctions between standards of fill for distilled spirits in cans and for spirits in containers other than cans. Standards of fill means the amount of liquid included in a container, not the size or capacity of the container itself.
The final rule was undertaken in response to requests from members of the alcoholic beverage industry for greater flexibility to use a wider range of container sizes for their products. The rule is anticipated to help producers, both domestically and internationally, grow their business by being able to offer a wider variety of products in different sizes and formats. The rule also stands to benefit consumers by providing broader purchasing options, including 16 ounce and 19.2 ounce cans for ready-to-drink (RTD) spirit-based drinks.
About Our Author
Rob Pinson is the Alcohol and Hospitality Team Leader at Adams and Reese. A Partner in the firm's Nashville office, Rob represents both local and national clients with their licensing and regulatory needs.
Working extensively with distilleries, breweries and wineries on licensing matters, Rob helps his hospitality clients navigate through the complex approvals for manufacturing, self-distribution and other compliance issues at all levels. He provides counsel to alcoholic beverage manufacturers and retailers in transactional matters in which licensing issues play a critical role. Rob also assists businesses with applying for and obtaining initial licensing, maintaining all necessary permits and licenses, and handling on-going regulatory obligations, such as formula and label submissions.