Overview of UK regulations for selling drinks
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:
Register Your Alcohol with the Alcohol Registry
Register Your Packaging with the relevant UK authority
Understand Excise Duty and Shipment Regulations
We can take care of all local registrations
Before your drinks can be exported to the UK, producers are required to comply with regulations governing mandatory information that needs to be present on the product's label.
Clearly state the name of the beverage along with a brief description if needed.
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.
Display the volume or weight of the product in appropriate metric units.
Indicate the percentage of alcohol by volume.
Include a 'best before' or 'use by' date if applicable, and any storage instructions.
List the name and address of the manufacturer, and if imported, the importer's details.
Ensure labels meet these standards covering ingredient declarations, allergen information, and more.
Refer to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for specific guidance on labeling alcoholic beverages.
All mandatory information must be provided in English, or in a language easily understood by consumers in the UK.
All mandatory details must be easy to read and prominently placed.
Use appropriate color contrast between text and background.
Consider including responsible drinking messages or warnings.
While not always required for alcoholic beverages, must comply with FSA guidelines if included.
May need to indicate the product's country of origin.
Additional information may be required by HMRC for imported products.
The UK implemented a reformed, strength-based alcohol duty system on 1 August 2023, where duty is calculated per litre of pure alcohol (LPA).
| ABV Range | Rate (GBP/LPA) |
|---|---|
| up to 1.2% | 0.00 |
| 1.3% – 3.4% | 9.61 |
| 3.5% – 8.4% | 21.78 |
| 8.5% – 22% | 29.54 |
| above 22% | 32.79 |
| ABV Range | Rate (GBP/LPA) |
|---|---|
| up to 1.2% | 0.00 |
| 1.3% – 3.4% | 9.61 |
| 3.5% – 8.4% | 10.02 |
| 8.5% – 22% | 29.54 |
| above 22% | 32.79 |
| ABV Range | Rate (GBP/LPA) |
|---|---|
| up to 1.2% | 0.00 |
| 1.3% – 3.4% | 9.61 |
| 3.5% – 5.5% | 10.02 |
| 5.6% – 8.4% | 25.67 |
| 8.5% – 22% | 29.54 |
| above 22% | 32.79 |
| ABV Range | Rate (GBP/LPA) |
|---|---|
| up to 1.2% | 0.00 |
| 1.3% – 3.4% | 9.61 |
| 3.5% – 8.4% | 25.67 |
| 8.5% – 22% | 29.54 |
| above 22% | 32.79 |
| ABV Range | Rate (GBP/LPA) |
|---|---|
| up to 1.2% | 0.00 |
| 1.3% – 3.4% | 9.61 |
| 3.5% – 8.4% | 25.67 |
| 8.5% – 22% | 29.54 |
| above 22% | 32.79 |
| ABV Range | Rate (GBP/LPA) |
|---|---|
| up to 1.2% | 0.00 |
| 1.3% – 3.4% | 9.61 |
| 3.5% – 8.4% | 25.67 |
| 8.5% – 22% | 29.54 |
| above 22% | 32.79 |
Below are some key resources with direct links that provide comprehensive information on the labeling requirements for alcoholic beverages sold in the UK: