TTB Adds New Standards of Fill for Wine and Distilled Spirits for 2025
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has introduced new regulations for 2025, expanding the permitted container sizes for wine and distilled spirits. These updates provide more flexibility for producers and eliminate distinctions between spirits in cans and other packaging types. The goal is to align U.S. packaging regulations with international standards and improve market adaptability.
New Standards of Fill for Wine and Spirits
The TTB regulates container sizes through "standards of fill" to ensure consistency in the marketplace. With evolving consumer preferences and global trade considerations, the agency has now expanded these standards.
For wine, additional container sizes have been approved, allowing producers to offer more diverse packaging options, from single-serve sizes to larger bottles for gatherings. This change caters to shifting consumer demand and enhances branding opportunities for wineries.
For distilled spirits, the newly added sizes reflect international packaging norms, making it easier for American distilleries to compete in global markets. This update also allows greater flexibility in product offerings, catering to consumers looking for varied portion sizes.
Distilled Spirits in Cans: No More Separate Regulations
Another major update is the removal of separate rules for spirits packaged in cans. Previously, different size restrictions applied to canned spirits compared to bottled versions. The new rule streamlines regulations, treating all packaging formats equally.
This change is particularly beneficial for the booming ready-to-drink (RTD) spirits market. As consumers increasingly seek convenient and portable beverage options, the updated regulation makes it easier for producers to innovate and expand their product lines.
What This Means for Producers and Retailers
These changes offer several benefits to alcohol producers and sellers:
More Packaging Options – Wine and spirits brands can now offer products in a wider range of sizes, meeting various consumer needs.
Global Market Expansion – Aligning U.S. regulations with international standards simplifies export processes for American companies.
Consumer Convenience – More size options mean greater accessibility, whether for personal use, special occasions, or on-the-go consumption.
Simplified Compliance – Eliminating separate rules for canned spirits reduces regulatory complexity and streamlines operations.
Preparing for the Changes
With these new standards taking effect in 2025, industry stakeholders should begin preparing for adjustments in production, packaging, and marketing strategies. Companies should evaluate how these changes may impact their supply chain, branding, and compliance procedures.
For those in the alcoholic beverage industry, this regulatory update represents an opportunity to enhance product offerings and expand into new markets. Staying informed and proactive will help businesses maximize the benefits of these evolving standards.
Defined changes made
Wine industry members may now use the following new standards of fill: 180, 300, 330, 360, 473 (16 oz.), 550, 568 (19.2 oz), 600, 620, 700, and 720 milliliters and 1.8 and 2.25 liters. These are in addition to those already approved and listed in 27 CFR 4.72.
Distilled spirits industry members may now use the following new standards of fill: 187, 250, 331, 350, 355, 475, 500, 570, 700, 710, and 945 milliliters and 1.5, 2, 3, and 3.75 liters. These are in addition to those already approved and listed at 27 CFR 5.203. All standards of fill for distilled spirits are now approved for all containers, including bottles and cans.
Please see the final rule, T.D. TTB–200, for details on these regulatory amendments, and see Regulations.gov docket TTB–2022–0004 for all documents and comments related to this rulemaking. This final rule is effective immediately; the revised regulations will be visible on the eCFR website in several days.