Hi benito_france,
1) Is it possible?
Yes, and I can give you the basics on importing alcohol into the
United States (it is highly regulated), but it will be up to you to
contact the proper authorities to get all the details on your
particular situation.
FOR RESALE
2) What are the legal document needed?
Q: Must I have my product?s label approved before I may distribute it
in the United States?
A: Yes. The Federal Alcohol Administration Act requires importers of
beverage alcohol products to obtain certificates of label approval or
certificates of exemption from label approval (COLAs) for most
beverage alcohol products prior to introducing them into interstate
commerce in order to ensure that products are labeled according to
Federal laws and regulations. You must also complete and file a
pre-import application to ensure proper tax classification and that
the products are manufactured according to Federal laws and
regulations. The Advertising, Labeling, and Formulation Division
customer service team will assist you with questions on labels and
formulation. The toll-free number is 1-866-927-ALFD (2533).
http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/info/impreq.htm
3) Do I need a licence?
Alcohol Permits
Federal Alcohol Administration Permits
Every person who produces, processes or warehouses distilled spirits
or wine shall obtain a basic permit. Anyone engaged in the business of
purchasing for resale at wholesale or importing distilled spirits,
wine, or malt beverages must also first obtain a basic permit. All
such persons before commencing business must file an application and
necessary documents with TTB. The applicant must have a permit
approved by TTB in hand before engaging in business.
http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/info/contactfile.htm
Who to Contact:
Importation and/or wholesaling beverage alcohol products such as wine,
beer or distilled spirits for commercial purpose:
ttbimport@ttb.treas.gov
ttbimport@ttb.treas.gov
http://www.ttb.gov/nrc/index.htm
Q: Do I need a permit to import beverage alcohol products such as
wine, beer, and liquor into the United States?
A: Yes. The Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA) requires that
anyone wishing to import beverage alcohol products into the United
States for resale must apply for an Importer's Basic Permit from the
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
Q: What is the process for obtaining a Federal Importers Basic Permit?
A: You must complete TTB Form 5100.24, Application for Basic Permit
Under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, and other qualifying
documents for each location where you plan to conduct a business as an
importer. If you plan to be a wholesaler as well as an importer of
beverage alcohol products, you must apply for both permits by checking
the applicable boxes on the form. A permit as an importer does not
automatically allow you to conduct business as a wholesaler.
Next, mail your completed Form 5100.24 to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 8002,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. While we try to qualify each applicant as soon
as possible, certain requirements must be met. TTB performs background
checks, verifies source of funds and inspects the business premises.
Please allow at least 90 days for us to process your application.
Q: Do I need to obtain a local or State license to conduct business?
A: Yes. You must meet State requirements in addition to Federal permit
requirements. You must contact each State for information regarding
its licensing requirements. Please click here for a directory of State
liquor control boards.
http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/info/impreq.htm
FORM TTB F 5100.24 DOWNLOAD
Application for Basic Permit Under Federal Alcohol Administration Act
http://www.ttb.gov/forms/5000.htm#alcohol
MORE FORMS
http://www.ttb.gov/forms/5000.htm#alcohol
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
5806 Mesa Dr.
P.O. Box 13127
Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711-3127
Phone: 512/206-3333
Fax: 512/206-3449
http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/contact/Maps.htm
http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/info/faq/subpages/lcb.htm
Texas FAQ
http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/help/default.htm
Instructions for Permits & Licenses
http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/publications/Instruct.pdf
4) Is there any limits (in term of quantities?
For personal use: 3 gallons once every 30 days for import into Texas.
For reselling: no
5) What are the potential fee (Tax, additional cost)
Q: Do I have to pay a fee for a license or permit?
A: We charge no fees for issuing a Federal Permit. However, under the
Internal Revenue Code, importers of beverage alcohol products must
file and pay Special Occupational Tax on the date they commence
business. The rate is the same as the wholesale rate of $500 annually
for each business location and is only prorated the first year of
business.
Q: Do I have to pay any taxes?
A: Contact CBP for information on filing and paying taxes and any
applicable duties on imported beverage alcohol products.
http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/info/impreq.htm
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (2005) ? Supplement 1
Annotated for Statistical Reporting Purposes
CHAPTER 22
BEVERAGES, SPIRITS AND VINEGAR
Section 2204
http://hotdocs.usitc.gov/docs/tata/hts/bychapter/0510/0510C22.pdf
Q: Who do I contact if I have questions or need help with the application process?
A: You should direct any questions regarding the application process
to the National Revenue Center (NRC) at 1-877-882-3277. You may also
e-mail us at ttbimport@ttb.treas.gov or write to the National Revenue
Center, 550 Main Street, Room 8002, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Do not
forget to ask about our e-packets when contacting our office.
http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/info/impreq.htm
FOR YOUR OWN USE
Q: Do I need a permit to import beverage alcohol products for my own use?
A: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) only regulates
importation for commercial use. If you wish to import for your
personal use on an infrequent basis, you must contact U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) (former U.S. Customs Service) for information
on taxes and duties. CBP determines if you are importing for
commercial or personal use. You must also contact the State where you
plan to ship the products to determine if any State laws on direct
shipping apply.
http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/info/impreq.htm
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/about/mission/cbp.xml
Texas:
May a person import alcoholic beverages for his own personal use?
Yes, in limited amounts not over once every 30 days. A Texas resident
may import, for his own personal use, one quart of distilled spirits
and three gallons of wine, and 24 12-ounce containers of beer or its
equivalent. [Section 107.07(a)(b)]
http://www.tabc.state.tx.us/help/General.htm#import
Additional Link of Interest:
My colleague, nenna-ga, post an excellent answer regarding importing wine:
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=364447
Well, that should keep you busy for awhile! If you have any questions,
please post a clarification request and wait for me to respond before
closing/rating my answer.
Thank you,
hummer
Google Search Terms Used: wine importing france "personal use" resale |