A Control State Update on 700mL Fill Size Sales

As of December 29th, 2020, the T.T.B. published new standards of fill for wine and distilled spirits. The standard allows for 700mL bottles to be imported legally for sale in the U.S. for the first time. The 700 mL size has been the European Union standard for more than three decades, while the U.S. settled on a 750 mL standard during the Carter Administration’s metrics measurement decision. This change largely affects commercial imports of distilled spirits and wines intended for resale.

While the volume difference appears small, it has created massive problems over the years for spirits and wine brands looking to make their products available in the lucrative U.S. market. The regulation has forced brands to produce 700mL bottlings for the European market and 750mL bottlings to sell in the U.S., causing many small independent distillers and wineries to avoid the U.S. market in order to avoid higher cost-of-goods (COGs).

The allowance of these additional container sizes now provides bottlers with flexibility and facilitates the movement of goods in domestic and international commerce, while also providing consumers broader purchasing options.

The regulatory change has also allowed smaller American distilleries to produce 700mL bottles for sale both domestically and in export markets for the first time.

While the federal law passed in 2020, it has understandably taken some time for U.S. Control States to implement on a local level. Below is an updated report on the control states that are currently stocking and selling 700mL bottle sizes with minimal delay:

• Maine – if registered with NABCA
• Mississippi
• Montana – must select either 700mL or 750mL
• Montgomery County, Maryland
• New Hampshire – if registered with NABCA
• North Carolina – as a special order or 20-code
• Oregon – as a special order or if approved by the Listing Committee
• Pennsylvania
• Utah
• Vermont – if registered with NABCA
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Contact your MHW Compliance or Control State Representative with any questions around importation or distribution of 700mL fill sizes, or email hello@mhwltd.com.