What Wine Importers Need to Know About the New TTB Submission Window
CMBA - More like CBM - Yay!
TTB has announced they have extended the time wineries can submit and increase CBMA gallonage in myTTB to March 31st. Previously they had a cut-off line for CBMA assignments was New Year's Eve. This change should be helpful in the cases of missed assignments and assignments that have been exceeded.
With the start of Q4 in 2025, wineries can now begin to make CBMA assignments for 2026. Please make sure to provide the TTB Foreign Producer ID and the CBMA gallons to cbma@elentenyimports.com.
Despite the change above, anything that arrives after January 1 will need a 2026 CBMA assignment.
Q3 Filing of 2025 was submitted on October 1st. Quarterly filing can usually take between 6 to 8 weeks for TTB to review and transmit the rebates. Due to the government shutdown, it sounds like this process will be delayed. myTTB has provided an update that suppliers can still make assignments on the website, however, new registrations that require review will not be reviewed or processed until funding and operations are restored. As soon as we find out more details, we will provide an update.
If you're looking for Q4 inspiration, tap into universal human patters with this thoughtful article from Kathleen Willcox.
"Authenticity is more than a buzz word...don’t try to boil the ocean...concentrate on your brand ethos and the consumers that relate to who you are as a brand. That north star will keep you from jumping on the wrong cultural trends as you build your community of fans. Reward that community and stay engaged.”
Next Gen Wine: Win Over the Modern Consumer Through Influence, Identity and Occasion
Source: Kathleen Willcox
Operations Update
Temporary Reefer Container Shortages
We have been informed of reefer shortages in France, which will impact the availability of reefer containers. We are doing our best to mitigate the impact of these shortages. Should a reefer container not be available for a booking, customers will be contacted, and asked if insulated service is acceptable. If not, the booking will be delayed until a reefer container is available. Delays could be 1-2 weeks.
Bonded LCL Service
A reminder that our services include bonding, so if you are shipping solely with us, you do not need to carry your own bond. This has always been included in our services. Please keep this in mind as your bond renewal period approaches.
LCL Spaces Available
Below is the number of cases still needed from each origin BEFORE we close the doors on the next sailing, get in touch to secure your spot.
*South America to New York: Full Loading - Building the next Container
*Germany to New York: 200 cases (Last Call!)
*Austria to New York: Building the next Container
*Portugal to New York: 780 Cases
*Spain to OAK: 860 Cases
*France to OAK: 450 cases
*France to North Carolina : 100 cases
*Italy to North Carolina : 370 Cases (FYI - 200, RG moving to CHS)
Current Arrival Dates
Order now for West Coast : Mid January 2025
Order now for East Coast : Mid December 2025
Events: Beaujolais Nouveau
Mark October 13th in your Calendars, this is the the earliest pick up for Beaujolais Nouveau wines this year.
This means that on or about October 21, Beaujolais Nouveau wines can be exported from the EU. If you are bringing these wines in we strongly recommend that your suppliers have your orders ready between Monday 13th - Friday 17th. We know the vessel schedule can be tricky around this time so planning ahead will make the process go smoothly.
Weekend News:
Are too many pinning their hopes on premiumisation as a silver bullet?
Source: Jessica BroadbentAs the shutdown continues, all tariffs will be collected and implemented as usual.
Source: Flexport Editorial Team
"The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind."
—Caroline Myss
Cheers!