Current Version - TTB F 5100.31 (11-2015)

OMB No. 1513-0020
FOR TTB USE ONLY

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

TTB ID

ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU

APPLICATION FOR AND CERTIFICATION/EXEMPTION OF
LABEL/BOTTLE APPROVAL

1. REP. ID. NO. (If any)

CT

2 .PLANT REGISTRY/BASIC
2.

3. SOURCE OF PRODUCT

OR

(Required)

PERMIT/BREWER'S NO. (Required)

Domestic

4. SERIAL NUMBER (Required)
YEAR

-

(See Instructions and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice Below)

Imported

5. TYPE OF PRODUCT
(Required)
WINE
DISTILLED SPIRITS
MALT BEVERAGES

6. BRAND NAME (Required)

PART I - APPLICATION
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF APPLICANT AS SHOWN ON PLANT REGISTRY, BASIC
PERMIT, OR BREWER'S NOTICE. INCLUDE APPROVED DBA OR TRADENAME IF
USED ON THE LABEL (Required)

8a. MAILING ADDRESS, IF DIFFERENT

7. FANCIFUL NAME (If any)
9. E-MAIL ADDRESS

12. NET CONTENTS

15. WINE VINTAGE
DATE (If on label)

10. GRAPE VARIETAL(S)
Wine only
13. ALCOHOL
CONTENT
16. PHONE NUMBER

(

)

11. FORMULA

18. TYPE OF APPLICATION (Check applicable box(es))
a.

CERTIFICATE OF LABEL APPROVAL

b.

CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FROM LABEL APPROVAL
"For sale in
only" (Fill in State abbreviation)

c.

DISTINCTIVE LIQUOR BOTTLE APPROVAL. TOTAL
BOTTLE CAPACITY BEFORE CLOSURE
(Fill in amount)

d.

RESUBMISSION AFTER REJECTION
TTB ID

14. WINE APPELLATION (If on label)

17. FAX NUMBER

(

)

19. SHOW ANY INFORMATION THAT IS BLOWN, BRANDED, OR EMBOSSED ON THE CONTAINER (e.g., net contents) ONLY IF IT DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE LABELS
AFFIXED BELOW. ALSO, SHOW TRANSLATIONS OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEXT APPEARING ON LABELS.

PART II - APPLICANT'S CERTIFICATION
Under the penalties of perjury, I declare: that all statements appearing on this application are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief;
and, that the representations on the labels attached to this form, including supplemental documents, truly and correctly represent the content of the
containers to which these labels will be applied. I also certify that I have read, understood, and complied with the conditions and instructions which are
attached to an original TTB F 5100.31, Certificate/Exemption of Label/Bottle Approval. I consent to the return of processed applications in the manner
indicated on this application and set forth in the applicable instructions.
20. DATE OF APPLICATION 21. SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT OR AUTHORIZED AGENT 22. PRINT NAME OF APPLICANT OR AUTHORIZED AGENT
PART III - TTB CERTIFICATE
This certificate is issued subject to applicable laws, regulations, and conditions as set forth in the instructions portion of this form.
23. DATE ISSUED

24. AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU
FOR TTB USE ONLY

QUALIFICATIONS

EXPIRATION DATE (If any)

AFFIX COMPLETE SET OF LABELS BELOW (See General Instructions 4 and 6)

TTB F 5100.31 (11/2015)

PREVIOUS EDITIONS ARE OBSOLETE

I. PURPOSE OF THIS CERTIFICATE

This certificate authorizes you to bottle and remove the product identified on the certificate from the plant(s) identified on the certificate where it was bottled or packed, or to remove
products in containers from Customs custody. NOTE: This certificate does not constitute trademark protection.

II. CONDITIONS OF THIS CERTIFICATE

A. This certificate does not relieve you from liability for violations of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, the Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act of 1988, the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, or related regulations and rulings.
B. You must ensure that: 1) all the information on your application is true and correct and 2) any and all information (including words, text, illustrations, graphics, etc.) shown or
presented on the label(s) affixed to this certificate is truthful, accurate and not misleading.
C. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) does not routinely review submitted labels for compliance with applicable requirements for mandatory label information
regarding type size, characters per inch or contrasting background. You must ensure that the mandatory information on the actual labels is legible and displayed in the correct
type size, number of characters per inch, and on a contrasting background in accordance with the TTB labeling regulations, 27 CFR parts 4, 5, 7, and 16, as applicable. TTB
does reserve the right to review applications for compliance with these requirements and to return non-compliant applications.

III. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING AND SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION

NOTE: Applications may be filed electronically by accessing the TTB website at https://www.ttbonline.gov/colasonline/.

A. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. You must print or type your application and sign it in ink. Submit your application in duplicate to the ADVERTISING, LABELING AND FORMULATION DIVISION, ALCOHOL AND
TOBACCO TAX AND TRADE BUREAU, 1310 G STREET N.W., BOX 12, WASHINGTON, DC 20005. (paper filers only)
2. You may use exact copies of TTB F 5100.31 in lieu of an original form. Copies do not have to include the instruction page; however, you remain subject to all the provisions and
instructions outlined on the form. We suggest that you use an original form whenever possible. See Section IV for how to obtain a supply of forms. (paper filers only)
3. Generally, the person, firm, or corporation who will bottle or pack the product must file the application. However, for a product to be imported in containers intended for sale at retail,
the application must be filed by the importer. In the case of a product to be relabeled by a wholesaler, the application must be filed by the wholesaler.
4. You must firmly affix (with glue or tape - DO NOT STAPLE) all labels that will appear on the container. Printer's proofs and photocopies are acceptable. If labels are in the form of can
flats, photocopies are requested. (paper filers only)
5 . You may NOT make pen and ink changes, white out information, type over or cross out information, or paste information over labels affixed to this application. (Paper filers only)
6. You must reduce oversized labels so that they fit in the space provided. You must indicate in Item 19 that labels have been reduced and the percentage of reduction.
B. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS
ITEM 1. Include a third party representative ID Number if your application will be submitted by a third party representative, and if you consent to the disclosure of information about the
application to this representative, as well as the return of the processed application to this representative. Third party filers who do not already have a Representative ID Number,
please contact TTB to obtain one. (See section IV for contact information.)
ITEM 2. For bonded wine cellars, taxpaid wine bottling houses, and distilled spirits plants, enter the applicable registry number (BW- or TPWBH- or DSP- number). Importers must enter
the TTB basic permit number and brewers must enter the brewer’s notice number. Wholesalers applying to relabel must enter the wholesaler's basic permit number. If you
intend to bottle this product at more than one of your locations (distilled spirits and malt beverages only), show the registry number/brewer's notice number of each location
where the product will be bottled. In this instance, Item 8 should reflect your principal place of business. You may also use Item 8a to reflect additional registry//brewer's notice
numbers if the space provided in item 2 is insufficient. In this instance, cross out the words “Mailing Address, if different."
ITEM 3. Indicate the source of the product by checking the appropriate box.
ITEM 4. You must assign a sequential serial number beginning with the last two digits of the current calendar year to each application and its duplicate, not to exceed 6 characters; e.g.,
12-1, 12-2, etc.
ITEM 5. Indicate the type of product by checking the appropriate box. For Sake, check the "wine" box.
ITEM 6. A brand name is the name under which the product is sold. If the product is not sold under a brand name, enter the name of the bottler, packer, or importer, as applicable.
ITEM 7. A fanciful name is a name that further identifies the product and is required for some specialty products. It is optional for other products.
ITEM 8. Indicate your company name and address exactly as they appear on your plant registry, basic permit, or brewer’s notice (include your approved DBA or trade name if you use it
on the label). In the case of distilled spirits and malt beverages that are bottled at more than one location indicate your principal place of business address in this field.
ITEM 8a. You may enter a mailing address here if you receive mail at an address other than the address shown in Item 8.
ITEM 9. You may provide the e-mail address of the person who should receive TTB’s response to this application. TTB will process and return all paper applications to this e-mail
address if one is provided.
ITEM 10. You must list in this block each grape varietal (if any) that appears on wine labels.
ITEM 11. The term “Formula” encompasses the following pre-COLA product evaluations: domestic beverage alcohol formulas, pre-import approval letters, lab analyses, and
submissions formerly known as statements of process (SOPs). A formula is a quantitative list of ingredients and a step-by-step method of manufacture for alcohol beverages
(wine, distilled spirits, and malt beverages) requiring approval from TTB prior to production or importation as set out in Industry Circular 2007-4. TTB’s regulatory authority for
such products may also be found in 27 CFR parts 4, 5, 7, 19, 24, 25, and 26. Please visit http://www.ttb.gov/formulation/pre_cola.shtml for more information about when a
formula is required. For any domestic or imported alcohol beverage product requiring formula approval, specify the TTB Formula ID/TTB ID number, or TTB lab number. A copy
of the approved formula or pre-import approval letter must accompany this label application. If the formula approval was obtained electronically through Formulas Online, the
system- generated TTB Formula ID number must be provided.
ITEM 12. Indicate the container size(s) (net contents) covered by label(s) affixed to the application. You may indicate a range of sizes. You are not required to obtain separate certificates
for each size container on which a label or set of labels will be used.
ITEM 13. Enter the alcohol content stated on the label.
ITEM 14. Fill in only if a wine appellation of origin is stated on the label.
ITEM 15. Fill in only if the wine vintage date is stated on the label.
ITEM 16. Provide the phone number of the person responsible for the application.
ITEM 17. Provide the fax number of the person responsible for the application.
ITEM 18. You must check "a" OR "b." You must also check "c" if you intend to bottle distilled spirits in a distinctive container. You must check "d" and enter the TTB ID number as shown in
the upper left hand corner of the rejected application if you are submitting an application that was previously rejected. If you check "b": 1) you may only sell this product in the
State where it is bottled AND 2) the statement "For sale in
only" (using State abbreviation) must appear on each container. We do not issue certificates of exemption
for products imported in bottles or for malt beverages.
ITEM 19. The instructions for this item are on the front of the form.
ITEM 20. Enter date application is prepared or submitted.
ITEM 21. The applicant or authorized agent must sign in this block.
ITEM 22. The signer's name must be printed in this block.

TTB F 5100.31 (11/2015)

IV. CONTACT INFORMATION
For Additional Information Contact:
Advertising, Labeling and Formulation Division (ALFD)
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
1310 G. Street, N.W., Box 12
Washington, DC 20005
Phone (202) 453-2250
1-866-927-2533 (Toll Free)
E-mail address: [email protected]

For A Supply Of This Form (TTB F 5100.31) Contact:
The form may be ordered electronically by accessing the TTB Web site at
http://www.ttb.gov/forms/ordering_forms.shtml
The form may be electronically accessed at the TTB Web site at
http://www.ttb.gov/forms/f510031.pdf

V. ALLOWABLE REVISIONS TO APPROVED LABELS
Once a label receives TTB approval, you are permitted to make certain changes to that label without submitting it to TTB. The label(s) identified on and affixed to this certificate
may be revised without resubmission as follows:
NOTE: Any revision(s) you make to your approved label(s) must be in compliance with the applicable regulations in 27 CFR parts 4, 5, 7, and 16, and any other applicable
provision of law or regulation, including, but not limited to, the conditions set forth in the “Comments” below.

REVISION APPLIES TO
YOU MAY...

WINE

DISTILLED
SPIRITS

MALT
BEVERAGE

COMMENTS
If the non-mandatory information in question relates to other
information that remains on the label, it is your responsibility to ensure
that the remaining information is not misleading after the deletion.

1. Delete any non-mandatory label information, including text,
illustrations, graphics, etc.

YES

YES

YES

2. Reposition any label information, including text, illustrations,
graphics, etc.

YES

YES

YES

3. Change the color(s) (background and text), shape and proportionate
size of labels. Change the type size and font, and make appropriate
changes to the spelling (including punctuation marks, changing letters
from upper case to lower case and vice versa, and abbreviations) of
words, in compliance with the regulations. Change from an adhesive
label to one where label information is etched, painted or printed
directly on the container and vice versa.

YES

YES

YES

All mandatory information must be readily legible and appear on a
contrasting background. If you received approval for a single label then
you may not divide the label into multiple labels without re- approval.
All changes must comply with applicable regulations, and changes in
spelling (including punctuation marks and abbreviations) must not change
the meaning of the previously approved information.

4. Change the stated percentages for blends of grape varietals and
appellations of origin for wine labels.

YES

N/A

N/A

When used for any of these items, the total percentages for each element
must equal 100%. You may not change the name of the stated varietals
or appellations without submitting a new application.

5. Add, change or delete a vintage date for wine labels.

YES

N/A

N/A

If the vintage date is deleted, no reference to "Vintage" may be made
on any label or other materials (e.g., caps, capsules, corks, etc.) affixed to
the bottle. When adding a new vintage date, you must comply with all
applicable regulations, including the requirements regarding appellations
of origin.

6. Change the optional “produced” or “made” by statements on wine
labels to “blended,” “vinted,” “cellared” or “prepared” by statements.

YES

7. Add, change or delete the stated amount of acid and/or the pH level
for wine labels.
8. Change the stated amounts of sugar at harvest and/or residual
sugar for wine labels.

YES

N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A

YES

N/A

N/A

See ATF Ruling 82-4 for policy regarding use of sugar content
statements and when such statements are required.

9. Add or delete bonded winery or taxpaid wine bottling house number
for wine labels.

YES

N/A

N/A

If used, the number must appear in direct conjunction with the bottler's
name and address.

10. Change the net contents statement.

YES

YES

YES

Revisions must comply with all applicable regulations governing net
content statements and standards of fill. Please ensure that all
applicable type size requirements are met for each container size.

11. Change the mandatory statement of alcohol content, as long as the
change is consistent with the labeled class and type designation, and
all other labeling statements.

YES

YES

YES
(Flavored
Malt
Beverages
Only)

The repositioning must comply with any placement requirements
applicable to mandatory information. For example, some types of
mandatory information must appear on the brand label or must appear
together with other label information.

For example, you may change the alcohol content of a grape wine labeled
with a varietal designation from 13 percent to 15 percent alcohol by
volume even though it results in a change to the product’s tax classification.
However, if the product was designated and labeled as a “table wine,” an
alcohol content of 15 percent alcohol by volume would be inconsistent with
the rules for use of that designation, so this change would not be permitted
Similarly, a label bearing a “rum” designation may not be changed to state
an alcohol content of less than 40 percent alcohol by volume. The revised
alcohol content statement must be consistent with all other mandatory or
optional labeling statements.

12. Add, delete, or change an optional statement of alcohol content for
malt beverage labels.

N/A

N/A

YES

Malt beverages that contain alcohol derived from added flavors or other
added nonbeverage ingredients (other than hops extract) containing
alcohol are subject to mandatory alcohol content statement
requirements.

13. Change the statement of percentage of neutral spirits and the name
of the commodity from which a distilled spirit is produced.

N/A

YES

N/A

These changes must not result in a change to the class or type
designation of the distilled spirits product.

14. Change the mandatory age statement, or delete or change an
optional age statement for distilled spirits labels.

N/A

YES

N/A

These changes must not result in a change to the class or type
designation. See 27 CFR 5.22 and 5.40 for further information about age
statements and minimum aging requirements applicable to certain
classes and types of spirits.

15. Delete or change an optional age statement, including a barrel
aging statement, for wine and malt beverage labels.

YES

N/A

YES

Statements of age on wine labels must comply with 27 CFR 4.39(b).

16. Add, delete, or change statements or information in order to
comply with the requirements of the State in which the malt
beverage is to be sold.

N/A

N/A

YES

Applies only to malt beverages sold in that particular state (including the
District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico).

17. Add a new Serving Facts statement or statement of average
analysis, add a Serving Facts statement to replace a statement of
average analysis, or change the numerical values for calories,
carbohydrates, protein, and fat contained in an existing statement.

YES

YES

YES

The statement must be in compliance with TTB Ruling 2013-2 and
TTB Ruling 2004-1. A new Serving Facts statement is an allowable
revision only if it is in one of the formats that is set forth in the
examples attached to TTB Ruling 2013-2.

18. Add, delete, or change stated bottling date, production date (day,
month, and/or year) or freshness information including bottling,
production or expiration dates or codes.

YES

YES

YES

Bottling dates added to wine labels must comply with 27 CFR 4.39(c).

19. Change the name or trade name to reflect a different name already
approved for use by the responsible bonded wine cellar, taxpaid
wine bottling house, distilled spirits plant, brewery, or importer.
Change the address where it is within the same State.

YES

YES

YES

This means that a bonded wine cellar, taxpaid wine bottling house,
distilled spirits plant, brewery or importer may revise the label to include
the use of a name or trade name that is already approved for that
particular industry member. The name or trade name must appear on
the basic permit, brewer’s notice, or other qualifying documents for the
company to whom the original certificate was issued. If the name or
trade name is also used as the brand name on the label, resulting in a
change of brand name, you must submit a new application. The change
in address is ONLY allowed for in-state moves or other changes to the
COLA holder’s address that have already been reflected on the industry
member’s basic permit, brewer’s notice, or other qualifying documents.

20. Add, delete, or change the name and/or address of the foreign
producer, bottler, or shipper.

YES

YES

YES

The producer, bottler, or shipper must be located in the same country
originally shown.

21. Add, delete, or change the name, address, and/or trademark of the
wholesaler, retailer, or persons for whom the product is imported or
bottled.

YES

YES

YES

TTB F 5100.31 (11/2015)

,

.

22. Add, delete, or change bottle deposit information, or recycling
information or logos.

YES

YES

YES

23. Add, delete, or change UPC barcodes and/or 2D mobile
barcodes, e.g., QR codes or Microsoft Tags.

YES

YES

YES

24. Add, delete, or change a Web site address, phone number, fax
number, or zip code.

YES

YES

YES

25. Add, delete, or change a lot or batch identification number or
other serial numbers.

YES

YES

YES

26. Add, delete, or change trademark, copyright symbols (e.g., TM, ©,
®), kosher symbols, company logos, and/or social media icons.

YES

YES

YES

27. Add, delete, or change optional information about awards or medals,
or the signature of the brewer, winemaker, or distiller of the product.

YES

YES

YES

28. Add, delete, or change holiday- and/or seasonal-themed
graphics, artwork and/or salutations.

YES

YES

29. Delete or change promotional sponsorship-themed graphics,
logos, artwork, dates, event locations and/or other sponsorshiprelated information. (Examples: sports leagues, team
organizations, annual sporting events, and annual or semi-annual
festivals.) Delete or change charitable endorsement information
to include information about the proceeds.

YES

YES

YES

If authorization by a third party was required for use of such
promotional sponsorship-themed information on a label when first
approved, it is the responsibility of the industry member to have any
necessary documentation of authorization to cover the revisions to
the approved label(s). The labeling statements may not create a
misleading impression.

30. Add, delete, or change a label or sticker that provides information
about a rating or recognition provided by an organization (e.g.,
“Recognized as one of the top values in vodka by x Magazine” or
“Rated as the best 2012 wine by x Association”), as long as the rating
or recognition reflects simply the opinion of the organization and does
not make a specific substantive claim about the product or its
competitors.

YES

YES

YES

These statements or graphics must not conflict with or qualify any
mandatory information and must comply with all applicable laws and
regulations.  Substantive claims about the product or its competitors
are not covered by this exemption. 

31. Delete all organic references from the label.

YES

YES

YES

If you choose to delete one organic claim on a label on which you have
received approval to make organic claims, then all organic claims,
references and certification statements must be deleted on the revised
label. The deletion of individual references or certification statements
is not permitted without a new COLA.

32. Change an approved sulfite statement to any of these options:
“Contains Sulfites”, “Contains (a) Sulfiting Agent(s)”, “Contains
[name of specific sulfating agent]”, “Contains Naturally Occurring and
Added Sulfites”; or “Contains Naturally Occurring Sulfites.”

YES

YES

YES

A sulfite statement is required when sulfur dioxide or a sulfiting agent is
detected at a level of 10 or more parts per million, measured as total
sulfur dioxide. The statement used must accurately reflect all of the
sulfur dioxide or sulfiting agent(s) present in the alcohol beverage. For
wine: Any other variation of the statement or removal of the statement
requires a lab analysis. For sulfite waivers, the proprietor must have
proof of sample analysis from a TTB-certified laboratory or from the
TTB Compliance Laboratory.

33. Add, delete, or change information about the number of bottles that
were “made,” “produced,” “brewed,” or “distilled” in a batch;
respectively.

YES

YES

YES

Example: “100 bottles produced”

34. Add certain instructional statements to the label(s) about how best
to consume or serve the product. Only the statements listed in the
comments section may be added.

YES

YES

YES

Only the following statements are approved to be added to a label:
“Refrigerate After Opening”
“Do Not Store In Direct Sunlight”,
“Best If Frozen For ___ to ___ Hours”,
“Shake Well”,
“Pour Over Ice”,
“Best When Chilled”,
“Best Served Chilled”,
“Serve Chilled”,
“Serve at Room Temperature”

YES

“Sulphites” may be used in lieu of “Sulfites.”

Addition or change of UPC Code must be in compliance with Industry
Circular 77-23. Any information retrieved from 2D barcodes must be in
compliance with all applicable advertising regulations.

Symbols, logos and icons may not violate TTB regulations.
Advertisements on social media sites must be in compliance with all
applicable advertising regulations.

Holiday/seasonal-themed information or graphics must not conflict with
or qualify the mandatory information and must comply with all applicable
regulations, including the rules governing prohibited practices.

If you have questions about what is mandatory information and what is non-mandatory information, please consult the applicable regulations in 27 CFR
parts 4, 5, 7 and 16, or contact TTB. See Section IV for how to contact TTB.
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT NOTICE
This request is in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. We collect this information to verify your compliance with the
Federal laws and regulations we administer for the labeling of alcohol beverages. The information is mandated by statute (27 U.S.C. 205)
and is used to obtain a benefit.
We estimate 31 minutes as the average burden for you to complete this form depending on your individual circumstances. You may comment
to us about the accuracy of this burden estimate and suggest ways for us to reduce the burden. Address your comments or suggestions to:
Reports Management Officer, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street, NW., Box 12
Washington, DC 20005.
We may not conduct this collection of information, and you are not required to respond to this request, unless it displays a valid, current OMB control
number.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
We require this information under the authority of 27 U.S.C. 205(e). You must disclose this information so we may verify your compliance with the Federal
laws and regulations we administer for the labeling of alcohol beverages.
We use this information for the purposes described in the preceding paragraph. In addition, the information may be disclosed to other Federal, State, and
local law enforcement and regulatory agency personnel to verify information on the application and to aid in the performance of their duties. The information
may further be disclosed to the Justice Department if it appears that the furnishing of false information may contribute to a violation of Federal law. If you fail
to supply complete information, then there will be a delay in the processing of your application.
After TTB issues a certificate of label approval, a certificate of exemption from label approval, or a distinctive liquor bottle approval, copies of the approved
applications are made available for public inspection.

TTB F 5100.31 (11/2015)