Ohio Introduces Online Label Registration System for Beer, Wine Products

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Division of Liquor Control is rolling out an online system for manufacturers and suppliers of beer, wine, seltzers and mixed beverages to register product labels. 

The online registration system will expedite the approval process products need to undergo before they can enter the market in Ohio.

From 2017 to 2022, the Division of Liquor Control processed an average of 13,280 label registrations each year.

“Labels help inform consumers about the beer and wine products, including information about where they were made and their alcohol content,” said Jim Canepa, Division of Liquor Control superintendent. “The transition from paper to online registrations will help decrease the approval times for labels from months and weeks to days and hours. This is another example of the division’s efforts to provide modern and efficient customer service.” 

On the e-file service, powered by third-party vendor Sovos ShipCompliant, for each application, businesses can upload label images, communicate directly with the division, securely sign and pay for them and manage the history of all pending and approved or denied product registration applications.

“We’re excited at the opportunity for our wineries to experience quicker turnaround times for the labeling registration,” said Christy Eckstein, executive director of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee.

Many product labels also require approval from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The e-file service is integrated with the bureau’s label database, allowing applicants to seamlessly transfer all federal approvals and relevant information to their application with the division.

“The transition the federal government made to online registration dramatically improved service and timeliness of the label approval process,” said Donniella Winchell, executive director of the Ohio Wine Producers Association. We are excited that the state of Ohio will be offering the same option to our wineries.” 

The Division of Liquor Control will offer training for beer and wine producers and wholesalers to use the online system in the coming weeks. Licensees are encouraged to sign up HERE for updates.

Pictured at top: Photo courtesy of pexels.com.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.