Wine imported in bulk and bottled domestically must be handled by a TTB-qualified winery or bottler. The domestic bottler assumes responsibility for formula compliance, label approval (COLA) for the finished product, and accurate records of the imported wine's origin and composition. The importer's Basic Permit covers the import transaction, but the bottling operation requires its own TTB qualification.

Both countries have well-developed export-oriented wine industries with surplus production capacity that makes bulk shipping economically attractive. Flexitank logistics from the Southern Hemisphere align with Northern Hemisphere off-peak demand cycles, and both origins have established relationships with US domestic bottlers seeking consistent varietal profiles for private-label and value-tier products.