Past IssuesThe Grapevine
September 16, 2009
COMPLIANCE UPDATE: MAINE'S DIRECT SHIPPING LAW
Starting September 12, 2009, the state of Maine allowed direct shipping of wine to consumers via a Wine Direct Shipper License. Although the effective date has passed, the state does not have a license application available. We will distribute the application once it becomes available.
THE KEY FEATURES ARE:
- Available only to those holding a TTB basic permit as a producer and blender of wine.
- Initial fee of $300 includes a $100 registration fee and a $200 application fee.
- Renewal fee will be $50.
- Valid for one year from the date of issuance.
- A list of the wine labels to be sold must accompany the license application, but there is no label registration.
- Copies of the basic permit and current state license (in CA, "winegrower") must accompany the license application.
- Only wine produced by the direct shipper may be shipped to Maine recipients.
The license application form is expected to be available quite soon. Maine officials have reported that their intent is to have a straightforward application.