Q&A: Wine & Food Questions
licenses required for importing and selling
Good day everybody, I am trying to start a business of importation of spirits from South America. I have found as much information online as I could about the licensing process and requirements, secured the rights with the producer, who is already registered with the FDA, but now I'm facing a dilemma. I know I need an Importer License from the Federal Government. Do I need one from the State Government too? (my business will be based in Florida) I've read conflicting comments on different websites about that, ranging from yes to no to only needing the Federal import license and a Wholesaler license at the State level. Could you help me clear that one please? Thank you
Answer From Expert Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
Alcoholic beverages are controlled at both the federal and state levels. You have learned that you need a basic federal permit permitting your company to import wines and/or spirits. If you have not already done so, you can find out more about this on the website of the relevant agency (ttb.gov/forms). If you only intend to sell your products to wholesalers in Florida or elsewhere, that permit should be sufficient, but you should still verify that some other type of permit is not required in a given state. If you also intend to act as a wholesaler, selling to on- and off-premise accounts (stores, restaurants, etc.), Florida like other states requires a license for the intended purpose. You may first want to consult their website (myfloridalicense.com) where you can view the types of licenses. I would recommend that, before moving forward,you consult a Florida attorney specializing in such matters. As you have discovered, the rules and regulations governing alcoholic beverages can be very confusing!
About The Expert
Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with Europe's leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers. Previously, he served as senior executive of Frederick Wildman & Sons, traveling regularly around the world to visit wineries and taste the new vintage from barrel. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993.
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