Equipment Import Compliance
Imported vessels, electrical gear and components require customs and code review.
Federal law prohibits producing distilled spirits at home. Beverage production requires prior TTB qualification of a Distilled Spirits Plant, plus applicable state and local approvals. Alcohol vapor, heat and pressure create severe fire and explosion hazards.
Current authority controls
Imported vessels, electrical gear and components require customs and code review. Check the current TTB page, regulations, state alcohol authority and local departments before committing to premises or equipment.
Approval before production
Do not operate first and apply later. Federal approval, state licensing and local occupancy, fire and building approvals can each be prerequisites.
Preserve the file
Keep applications, approvals, diagrams, equipment lists, correspondence, inspections, tax registrations and changes in one controlled record.
Ask the exact question
Describe the product, premises, ownership, equipment, scale and transaction. Broad questions about whether stills are legal can produce misleading answers.