Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority
Board
Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board of Directors
 
chapter
Requirements for Product Approval [3 VAC 5 ‑ 40]
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description This chapter establishes the standards and procedures for approval of the content, container, and label of alcoholic beverage products to be sold in Virginia.
State Authority Title 4.1, Code of Virginia
Federal Authority None entered
Exempt from APA No, changes to this chapter are subject to the Administrative Process Act.
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation 1. To determine the nature, form and capacity of all containers used for holding alcoholic beverages, and prescribe the form and content of all labels and seals to be placed thereon.
2. To protect consumers of alcoholic beverages from misleading information concerning the identity or contents of alcoholic beverage products sold in the Commonwealth.
Meetings See all meetings (3) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: LaTonya D. Hucks-Watkins  / Senior Legal Counsel
Address: 7450 Freight Way
Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Email Address: latonya.hucks-watkins@virginiaabc.com
Telephone: (804)213-4698    FAX: (804)213-4574    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Chapter 40 Regulatory Reform and Periodic Review Proposed Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security review in progress.

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Spirits; labels, definitions and standards of identity Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/28/2016.
Implementing Chapter 404, 2015 Virginia Acts of Assembly--Growlers & Other Board Approved Containers Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 07/15/2016.
Updating Product Approval Regulations as a Result of Periodic Review Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/15/2014.
Amending label content restrictions and 30-day approval process Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 05/19/2007.
Direct Shipping Rules Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/30/2005.
Label Approval Revisions Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/30/2005.
Product Approval NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 02/28/2001 after the comment period had ended.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Sale of Beer in Growlers by Gourmet Shops
Changes to Beer and Wine Product and Label Approval Procedures as a Result of Periodic Review NOIRA Stage withdrawn on 08/11/2006 after the comment period had ended.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
4/26/2019 Agency Completed Amend
9/27/2011 Agency Completed Amend
1/26/2004 Agency Completed Amend
5/1/2002 Agency Completed Amend