How do you import spirits into North Carolina?
Importing spirits into North Carolina requires a federal permit and label approval first. Then, you must get a supplier permit from the NC ABC Commission and appoint a resident broker to represent your products.
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The Two-Layer Process for Importing Spirits into North Carolina
The process for importing spirits into North Carolina has two main parts. First, an importer must meet all federal requirements. After that, the importer must follow North Carolina's state-level process. This includes getting a state permit and appointing a resident liquor broker.
North Carolina is a control state for liquor. This means the state's ABC Commission and local ABC boards control the sale of spirits. A supplier cannot sell directly to stores. Instead, a licensed North Carolina broker must represent the supplier and its products.
Federal Requirements for Importing Spirits
Before you can bring spirits into the United States, you must comply with federal laws. These are managed by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, or TTB. The TTB requires importers to have specific permits and approvals before any product enters the country.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is responsible for collecting federal excise taxes and duties on imported alcohol. For detailed procedures and forms, you should consult the TTB directly.
- Federal Basic Importer's Permit: An importer must have this permit from the TTB. The TTB's page on Importing Bottled Alcohol Beverages Into the United States has the current requirements.
- Certificate of Label Approval (COLA): Every product label must be approved by the TTB before the product is imported. This approval is called a COLA. You can find more information on the TTB's Label Approval Basics page.
North Carolina State Requirements
After meeting federal rules, a supplier must meet North Carolina's requirements. The NC ABC Commission regulates all spirits sales in the state. An importer must get a Supplier Permit from the Commission before shipping any products to North Carolina.
The permit application process requires several documents. The Commission provides details on its Information for New Suppliers page and its Supplier/Broker Permit Process page. The permit must be issued and product codes assigned before any shipments can begin.
- A Federal Basic Permit, which can be an importer's permit or a distilled spirits permit.
- A Certificate of Authority from the NC Secretary of State, if your business is based out of state.
- A Supplier Permit from the NC ABC Commission.
- An appointment of a resident North Carolina broker.
The Role of a North Carolina Spirits Broker
Every supplier of spirits must be represented by a licensed, resident North Carolina broker. The broker is the supplier's representative to the NC ABC Commission and the state's local ABC boards.
A broker presents your products for listing and helps manage your brand in the state. A listing is an approval for a product to be sold in the system. Getting listed is the hardest step in the process. It takes a planned effort between the supplier and the broker to build demand.
Dorado Rock is a licensed NC spirits broker founded in 2021. We help suppliers through the NC ABC process from start to finish. The first step for a supplier is to register with the state.
How Dorado Rock Represents Importers
We offer full representation for suppliers of all sizes, including craft distillers and importers. Our services cover all 100 counties in North Carolina. We have dedicated representatives in 4 metro areas.
When you partner with us, you get help navigating the state system. We also provide services like tastings, events, and warehousing to support your brands. Suppliers have access to a portal with reporting on shipments and ABC board performance.
Start Importing Your Spirits to NC
Importing spirits to North Carolina involves clear federal and state steps. Having the right broker is key to success in this market. If you have your federal permits and are ready for representation in North Carolina, we can help.
Please visit our contact page to get in touch and discuss your brands.
Frequently Asked Questions About NC Liquor Brokers
Do I need a broker to sell imported spirits in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina requires suppliers of spirits to be represented by a resident broker. The broker presents your products to the state's ABC Commission and local ABC boards.
What is a COLA?
A COLA is a Certificate of Label Approval issued by the federal TTB. You must have an approved COLA for each product label before you can import it into the United States.
Can I ship my spirits to NC as soon as I apply for a permit?
No, you must wait until the NC ABC Commission has issued your supplier permit and assigned product codes. Shipments cannot begin before these are in place.
Does getting a state listing mean my product will be in every ABC store?
No, a state listing does not guarantee placement in every store. Each of North Carolina's local ABC boards makes its own purchasing decisions for its stores.
What federal permit do I need to import spirits?
To import spirits into the United States, you need a Federal Basic Importer's Permit from the TTB. This is a federal requirement you must meet before seeking state-level permits in North Carolina.