TTB Newsletter for March 24, 2020

COVID-19 Special Edition

LABORATORY SERVICE DELAYS DUE TO THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY

We anticipate delays in some services provided by our Scientific Services Division laboratories due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, in response to the stay-at-home order issued in California, our Compliance Laboratory (CL) in Walnut Creek is closed until further notice. With this closure, the two impacted laboratory service areas are:

• Sulfite Waiver Analysis (domestic wines only)
• Chemist Certification Program

All other laboratory services are available, although industry may experience some delays. Please note that the California stay-at-home order is in place indefinitely, and we will update this guidance as additional information becomes available.

Sulfite Waiver Analysis for Domestic Wines

The CL analyzes domestic wine products submitted for a sulfite waiver. Waivers will not be processed until the CL reopens, which will be determined in conjunction with recommendations from public health officials. We are continuing to assess options to provide this service in response to this closure.

Chemist Certification Program

The TTB Chemist Certification Program is a voluntary program that certifies private industry chemists to analyze wine, distilled spirits, and beer for export.

We issue a call for applications twice a year, in the spring and fall. The 2020 spring cycle will be cancelled due to the CL closure. Applications that have already been sent for the spring cycle will automatically be considered for the fall cycle. Potential applicants who have not yet applied should apply for consideration in the fall. Updates will be provided if there are any changes to the fall schedule.

Chemist certifications are valid for two years. Any certifications that are due to expire by June 30, 2020, are extended until December 31, 2020.

If a delay in obtaining or renewing this certification presents challenges to any industry member’s operations, please note that export analyses can still be performed by other currently certified chemists listed on TTB.gov, or you may contact us with questions through Chemist.Certification@ttb.gov.

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