TTB Newsletter for September 19, 2025

TTB Top Tips: Wine Annual Inventory

Photo credit: Google, Gemini 2.5, https://gemini.google.com

For the next few weeks, we will share some top tips from TTB auditors, investigators, and other experts that will help you to stay in compliance with TTB requirements. First up for wine: the annual inventory!

1) Conduct and document the required annual physical inventory

Inventory all untaxpaid wine (and spirits, if applicable) in storage. If you'd like to use an annual inventory period different from the standard business period (beginning July 1 and ending June 30 for monthly or quarterly filers), you can do so by submitting a notice to TTB through Permits Online.

Details for what to include in the inventory record, including how to describe and total the wine in storage, are listed in 27 CFR 24.313.

2) Ensure inventory records are complete.

All inventory pages must be numbered consecutively, with the last page dated, signed, and the penalties of perjury statement included. Retain the inventory record on file with the Report of Bonded Wine Premises Operations for the reporting period when the inventory was taken.

3) Pay excise tax due on physical inventory shortage.

Regulations require that tax on unexplained shortages of bottled or packed wine must be paid when disclosed by inventory or otherwise. Unexplained shortages of bottled wine cannot be offset by inventory gains and must be reported separately.

Similarly, make sure you file claims on bulk wine losses in years when they exceed certain thresholds. See 24.266 Inventory losses for more information.

To assist you with understanding how your inventory will be reflected in your Report of Wine Premises Operations, refer to the Sample Report of Wine Premises Operations, a color-coded, line-by-line guide with explanations and a sample report.

Check out TTB Boot Camp for Wineries: Records, available now on our Boot Camp Series page, for more helpful information on inventory and other recordkeeping requirements!

Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Notices

TTB-regulated industries may find these notices of interest.

Request for Public Comments and Notice of Public Hearing Relating to the Operation of the Agreement Between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada

SOURCE: Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 178 / Wednesday, September 17, 2025

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

ACTION: Request for comments and notice of public hearing.

SUMMARY: USTR is commencing a public consultation process in advance of the

joint review of the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada on July 1, 2026. As directed by Congress, USTR is seeking public comments on the operation of the Agreement, including on the operation of the North American Competitiveness Committee established therein.

DATES: November 3, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST: Deadline for submitting written comments and requests to appear at the hearing. The request to appear must include a summary of testimony.

November 17, 2025: USTR will hold a public hearing in the main hearing room of the U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436, beginning at 10 a.m. If necessary, the hearing may continue the next business day.

Seven calendar days after the last day of the public hearing, at 11:59 p.m. EST: Deadline for submission of post-hearing rebuttal comments.

Request for Comments on Significant Foreign Trade Barriers for the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report

SOURCE: Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 176 / Monday, September 15, 2025

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), through the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), publishes the National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE Report) each year. USTR invites comments to assist it and the TPSC in identifying significant foreign barriers to, or distortions of, U.S. exports of goods and services and U.S. foreign direct investment for inclusion in the NTE Report. USTR also will consider responses to this notice as part of the annual review of the operation and effectiveness of all U.S. trade agreements regarding telecommunications products and services that are in force with respect to the United States.

DATES: Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EDT: Deadline for submission of comments.