Updated November 5, 2026 · Wild Badger Management
Short answer: You need a TTB COLA for most products, a TABC nonresident license or permit (BN for beer, S for wine and spirits), TABC product registration for every SKU, and a licensed Texas distributor or wholesaler. Out-of-state wineries can also ship to consumers with a DS permit.
Entering a different state? Same moves, different agency. See every state's alcohol regulator.
1. The three-tier system
Suppliers sell to distributors or wholesalers. They sell to retailers. Each tier holds its own TABC license.
| Tier | Common TABC codes |
|---|---|
| Texas producers | BW G D |
| Out-of-state suppliers | BN S |
| Distributors and wholesalers | BB BC W X |
| Retailers | MB BG BE P |
2. Federal label approval
- TTB issues COLAs through COLAs Online.
- TABC registers beer, wine at 7% ABV and up, and spirits against one COLA per application.
- Wine under 7% ABV and IRC beer use a TTB formulation and label instead.
- Foreign brands also need a U.S. importer with a TTB basic permit.
3. The right TABC license
| You are | You need | You can sell to |
|---|---|---|
| Out-of-state brewer | BN Nonresident Brewer's License | Texas brewers and distributors (BW, BB, BC) |
| Out-of-state wine or spirits seller | S Nonresident Seller's Permit | Wholesalers, wineries and distillers (W, X, G, D) |
| Out-of-state winery shipping to consumers | DS Direct Shipper's Permit | Texas consumers |
File in AIMS, TABC's online system. Paper takes longer.
4. Register every product
- Required before a product ships into Texas.
- $25 per application. No expedited processing.
- You need your TABC license or permit first.
- Product registration replaced label approval in 2020.
5. Pick your distributor carefully
Beer goes through Texas distributors. Wine and spirits go through wholesalers.
Beer contracts stick. Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 102.74, brewers and distributors need good cause to end an agreement, and the other side gets 90 days to cure after notice.
6. Price for three tiers
Your price plus distributor and retailer margins, freight and taxes has to land at a shelf price buyers accept. Budget for programming and samples. Use landed cost for imports.
7. Market inside the rules
Read TABC's Alcohol Marketing Practices FAQs before retailer programs. Tastings run under a Promotional Permit (PR). TTB and ad platforms add their own rules. Target adults 21+.
8. Stay compliant
Register new SKUs and label changes before they ship. Track renewals, amendments, reports and taxes.
Want us to run it?
Market Entry covers every step above, in Texas or any state. Book a Zoom call.
FAQ
What do I need to sell an out-of-state alcohol brand in Texas?
A TTB COLA for most products, a TABC nonresident license or permit (BN for beer, S for wine and spirits), TABC product registration for every SKU, and a licensed Texas distributor or wholesaler.
How much does TABC product registration cost?
$25 per application, filed in AIMS. TABC does not offer expedited processing.
Can a beer brand change Texas distributors?
Not easily. Under Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Section 102.74, brewers and distributors need good cause to end an agreement, and the other side gets 90 days to cure after notice.
Sources
- TABC: License and Permit Types
- TABC: Product Registration FAQs
- TABC: Label Approval Changes (2020)
- TABC: Alcohol Marketing Practices FAQs
- Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §102.74
- TTB: COLAs Online
General information, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with TABC, TTB and counsel.
