Markets/UK

Steps to Sell Your Drinks in United Kingdom

If you are a drinks producer and want to sell your products in UK, there are several important steps you need to follow before your drinks hit the market:

Alcohol Registry

Eesti Pandipakend

Excise and Shipment

Understand Excise Duty and Shipment Regulations

Or use Us

We can take care of all local registrations

Label requirements

Before your drinks can be exported to the UK producer is required to comply with regulations governing mandatory information that needs to be present on the product's label.

Product Name and Description

Clearly state the name of the beverage along with a brief description if needed.

Ingredients List:

Provide a complete list of ingredients in descending order of weight. Allergens must be clearly highlighted, following the guidelines under the Food Information Regulations 2014.

Net Quantity

Display the volume or weight of the product in appropriate metric units.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

Indicate the percentage of alcohol by volume, as this is a key piece of information for consumers.

Date Marking

Include a ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date if applicable, and any storage instructions necessary to maintain product quality.

Manufacturer and Importer Details

List the name and address of the manufacturer, and if the product is imported, the importer’s details must also be included.

Compliance with UK Regulations

Food Information Regulations 2014

Ensure that your labels meet the standards set out by these regulations, which cover ingredient declarations, allergen information, and more.

Additional Government Guidance

Refer to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for specific guidance on labeling alcoholic beverages, as there might be additional requirements (e.g., specific warnings or nutritional information) depending on the product type.

Language Requirements

All mandatory information must be provided in English, or in a language easily understood by consumers in the UK.

Design and Legibility Considerations

Clear and Prominent Display

Ensure that all mandatory details are easy to read and prominently placed on the label. This includes using a font size and style that are legible to the average consumer.

Contrast and Layout

Use appropriate color contrast between the text and the background to enhance readability.

Regulatory Warnings

Although not always mandatory, consider including responsible drinking messages or warnings if recommended by industry best practices.

Additional Considerations for Specific Products

Nutritional Information

While not always required for alcoholic beverages, if you choose to include nutritional information, make sure it complies with the FSA’s guidelines.

Country of Origin

Depending on the type of beverage and marketing strategy, you may need to indicate the product’s country of origin.

Customs and Excise Label

For imported products, additional information may be required by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), particularly related to excise duties and tax stamps.

Information resources

Below are some key resources with direct links that provide comprehensive information on the labeling requirements for alcoholic beverages sold in the UK:

Food Standards Agency (FSA)

The FSA provides detailed guidance on food and beverage labeling, including specific requirements for alcoholic products.
Food Labelling Guidance – FSA

GOV.UK

The official UK Government website offers up-to-date regulatory information on food labeling, including legal frameworks such as the Food Information Regulations 2014.
Food Labelling on GOV.UK

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

HMRC outlines details on excise duties and the necessary labeling and import documentation for alcoholic beverages.
Excise Duty on Alcohol – HMRC

UK Alcohol Excise Duty Rates (2025)

The UK implemented a reformed, strength-based alcohol duty system on 1 August 2023, where duty is calculated per litre of pure alcohol (LPA) in the product gov.uk. The table below summarises the most up-to-date excise duty rates (as of 1 February 2025) for alcoholic beverages in the UK, by category and alcohol by volume (ABV) bracket, based on official HMRC/GOV.UK sources. All rates are in pounds (£) per litre of pure alcohol in the product.

Current Rates by Category (per Litre of Pure Alcohol), Beer

Alcohol Type	ABV Range	Duty Rate	Unit
Beer	up to 1.2%	£0.00	per litre of pure alcohol
Beer	1.3%-3.4%	£9.61	per litre of pure alcohol
Beer	3.5%-8.4%	£21.78	per litre of pure alcohol
Beer	8.5%-22%	£29.54	per litre of pure alcohol
Beer	above 22%	£32.79	per litre of pure alcohol