In January 2017, the federal laws on alcoholic cider were revised to expand the definition of what constitutes “hard cider” and to revise its federal tax rate. We posted about those and other developments in the “hard cider” arena here and here.

Included in those changes to the law was a requirement, to be effective starting January 1, 2018, that the statement “Tax class 5041(b)(6)” appear on any hard cider removed from wine premises or Customs custody for which the “hard cider” tax rate is claimed. However, on December 5, 2017, the TTB published a temporary rule, delaying the new labeling requirement until January 1, 2019. Until the new effective date, the tax class statement continues to be optional.

Along with the labeling delay, the TTB has also decided to reopen the public comment period, providing an opportunity for the public to make additional comments over the next two months regarding both the delayed labeling requirement and other “hard cider” regulatory amendments.

For more information regarding hard cider licensing and regulatory requirements, contact one of the attorneys at Strike Kerr & Johns.

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