Forumlas, COLAs online processing times

[Brothers Vilgalys Spirits]

I just got my DSP at the end of August, and so now we're underway in the Forumlas / COLAs online business. I'm just curious how long this has taken for anyone else who's recently gone through the process?

Here's the timeline so far:

August 7th: TTB Agent requests a bond correction, says there are no other issues. Mad scramble to take care of that.

August 31st: DSP approved! We used permits online, took about 10 weeks. Put in for the username / password for TTB online.

Sept 7th: Username and password approved. Formula is submitted right away, but I discover that COLAs have to wait for that to be approved first (someone please tell me if I have this wrong!).

Today Sept 14th: So far nothing, although I am probably being impatient. Also, it seems like this stuff always happens late on a Friday so perhaps there will be a nice surprise this afternoon.

[Scott @ Twenty2Vodka]

I've never submitted a formula, so I can't speak on that part specifically, but I do believe they will be "approved" or "denied" or require some other form of action beyond just being on file.

Regarding your COLA however, with my experience with that part, expect them to come back with a clarification or a request for more info, or the like before you are "approved". I've submitted 4 to date, with 1 being a simple revision of a previously approved label, and they still required additional explinations before final approval. This extra step added typically 1 week avg to the whole approval process.

At least they are free, and at least they are digital. Imagine the delay if these had to all be submitted via snail-mail.

Good luck,

Scott

[seventh son]

I have submitted several formulas online. None have taken longer than a few days. Label approval...thats an entirely different story. Most have taken 40+ days before I get approval or denial. Fortunately, resubmissions are pretty fast.

[Scott @ Twenty2Vodka]

According to: http://www.ttb.gov/labeling/index.shtml

Average Processing Time for Distilled Spirit Applications

(as of August 31, 2012)

32 days

Average Processing Time for Malt Beverage Applications

(as of August 31, 2012)

9 days

Average Processing Time for Wine Applications

(as of August 31, 2012)

23 days

Processing Time for Label Applications Permitted by Regulation as Outlined in 27 CFR 13.21(

Within 90 days

2012 COLA Applications Received Year-to-Date

(as of August 31, 2012)

111,276

[Jedd Haas]

We had to wait around 3 weeks before our COLAs Online account was activated. Then over a month before the first COLA actually moved to the review stage.

[FrEwing]

Quick question. I hope to start the application process within the next month. Can the COLA be applied for simultaneously with the DSP licence application or do I have to wait to be approved as a DSP to then submit the labels for approval?

[Brothers Vilgalys Spirits]

No I tried that too, you have to wait for the DSP to be approved to even register for the online thing.

Thanks for the info y'all. Looks like it's back to "Hurry up and wait" over here.

[cphillips]

Hey there,

We are located in Thomasville, NC, about an hour from Danville. Let us know if we can help you with your label design and wording. We have had TTB training. You can reach me at carol@wrightlabels.com.

[DegoSam]

@ Seventh Son

I am in the process now. How detailed of a formula do they want? How detailed do they want of the process?

[Werner Distilling]

I applied for label approval on 9/16/12 and was approved as of this morning. 16 days. I never even saw it go to review or heard a peep till today.