Fermented Beverages, NES (Including Cider, Perry, and Mead)

Cider, perry, mead, and other fermented beverages not classified elsewhere occupy a residual but commercially growing heading as craft and traditional fermented drinks expand in the US market. TTB regulates these products under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, and the applicable standard of identity—hard cider versus wine versus mead—determines labeling requirements and, in some cases, the applicable excise tax rate. Hard cider made from apples or pears meeting specific alcohol and carbonation thresholds may qualify for a reduced federal excise tax rate, making precise product specification commercially significant. Importers should obtain TTB basic importer permits and COLA approvals before the first commercial shipment.

AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.