Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority
Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board of Directors
Requirements for Product Approval
[3 VAC 5 ‑ 40]
Chapter Information
| Description | This chapter establishes the standards and procedures for approval of the content, container, and label of alcoholic beverage products to be sold in Virginia. |
| State Authority | Title 4.1, Code of Virginia |
| Federal Authority | None entered |
| Exempt from APA | No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act. |
| Text of Regulation | Link to Virginia Administrative Code |
| Goals of Regulation |
1. To determine the nature, form and capacity of all containers used for holding alcoholic beverages, and prescribe the form and content of all labels and seals to be placed thereon. 2. To protect consumers of alcoholic beverages from misleading information concerning the identity or contents of alcoholic beverage products sold in the Commonwealth. |
| Meetings | See all meetings (4) relating to this chapter. |
Contact Information
| Name / Title: | LaTonya D. Hucks-Watkins / Senior Legal Counsel |
| Address: |
7450 Freight Way Mechanicsville, VA 23116 |
| Email Address: | latonya.hucks-watkins@virginiaabc.com |
| Telephone: | (804)213-4698 FAX: (804)213-4574 TDD: ()- |
| Current Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 40 Regulatory Reform and Periodic Review | NOIRA | Comment period is underway and will end on 07/07/2023. |
| Past Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Spirits; labels, definitions and standards of identity | Fast-Track | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/28/2016. |
| Implementing Chapter 404, 2015 Virginia Acts of Assembly--Growlers & Other Board Approved Containers | Fast-Track | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/15/2016. |
| Updating Product Approval Regulations as a Result of Periodic Review | Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/15/2014. |
| Amending label content restrictions and 30-day approval process | Fast-Track | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 05/19/2007. |
| Direct Shipping Rules | Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/30/2005. |
| Label Approval Revisions | Final | Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/30/2005. |
| Product Approval | NOIRA | Stage withdrawn on 02/28/2001 after the comment period had ended. |
| Withdrawn Actions | ||
| Action Title | Latest Stage | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sale of Beer in Growlers by Gourmet Shops | ||
| Changes to Beer and Wine Product and Label Approval Procedures as a Result of Periodic Review | NOIRA | Stage withdrawn on 08/11/2006 after the comment period had ended. |
| Periodic Reviews | ||
| Last Activity | Status | |
|---|---|---|
| 4/26/2019 Agency Completed | Amend | |
| 9/27/2011 Agency Completed | Amend | |
| 1/26/2004 Agency Completed | Amend | |
| 5/1/2002 Agency Completed | Amend | |