Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What do I need to know about FDA facility registration when exporting spirits to the US, and should I register my own facility or use my co-packer's registration?
FDA registration is facility-based, not company-based. When exporting to the US, the registration is linked to the actual production site—so if you use a co-packer, their FDA facility registration is what matters. **Key points members shared:** - The FDA requires facility registration (not a separate exporter registration) - If you outsource production, you use your co-packer's FDA number - **Critical for customs:** Ensure the FDA facility registration number appears on all commercial invoices—customs brokers sometimes miss this, which can cause holds at port - Some members offer FDA filing services for their clients as part of their offering **Warning:** Double-check with your customs broker that the facility registration is included on export documentation; this appears to be a common point of failure that delays shipments at US ports.
What are the FDA compliance requirements and practical procedures for shipping alcoholic beverages to the USA?
FDA compliance for exporting alcohol to the US requires registration and a registered importer pathway. Members report the process is complex and involves multiple hurdles. **Key requirements:** - You must register with the FDA website - You need a registered importer in the US to facilitate your shipment - A **Cola Waiver** can be obtained through a registered importer, but this is limited to sample shipments only - Full commercial shipments face stricter approval pathways **What members have actually done:** - Several members have successfully used **MoM** (Malt of Moravia) and **Whisky Exchange** as importers/distribution partners for getting product into the US market - Sample shipments via registered importers have shown mixed success rates (members reported approximately 75% success) - Direct sample shipping without proper channels is unreliable and not recommended **Caveats:** Members consistently characterised the FDA registration and importer system as "a nightmare" and "bit of a nightmare." The Cola Waiver route severely limits what you can ship (samples only), making it unsuitable for commercial volumes. Full commercial import requires significantly more complex compliance beyond just registration.