TTB Delays New Labeling Requirement for Wines Taxed as Hard Cider

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is delaying a new labeling requirement for containers of wine taxed at a lower tax rate for hard cider, it said. Previously set to begin on Jan. 1, 2018, the agency will now allow until Jan. 1, 2019, before wine bottles subject to the $0.226 tax rate on hard cider must bear the statement “Tax Class 5041(b)(6)” on labels. TTB set the new requirement in a final rule issued in January that broadened its hard cider definition to allow more products to qualify for the lower tax (see 1701200020). TTB is seeking comments by Feb. 2 on the delay of the compliance date, in a separate notice.