Are you starting a new tequila brand? Specifically, do you wish to sell authentic Mexican tequila in the US?

If so, it’s of the outmost importance to satisfy tequila regulations in Mexico and not only focus on stateside compliance. Really, it doesn’t matter what country you’re in–Mexican-based tequila regulations must be a top priority if you want to sell a premium, legitimate product.

Below, we’ll break down what’s involved in ensuring your new tequila brand meets regulatory compliance in Mexico.

Getting To Know The Tequila Regulatory Council

You must import your product if you’re selling authentic Mexican tequila and aren’t in Mexico. After all, authentic, agave-based tequila can only be produced in one of these five designations of origin:

● Jalisco (All territories)

● Tamaulipas (11 municipalities)

● Nayarit (8 municipalities)

● Guanajuato (7 municipalities)

● Michoacán (30 municipalities)

While the above line in the sand is as clear as day, it has many regulatory complexities. Namely, to import and bottle tequila requires that you are certified by the Tequila Regulatory Council.

Known also as the Consejo Regulador del Tequila in Spanish (CRT), you must satisfy the demands of this non-profit organization to certify all parts of your company, such as:

● Product

● Tequila label

● Bottle

● Tequila bottling

The legal certification process for all aspects of tequila handling requires 100% document approval from the CRT.

CRT’s primary purpose lies in maintaining tequila standards across the globe, working alongside a vast tequila production network, which includes parties such as:

● Agave farmers

● Bottlers

● Marketers

● Mexican government representatives

Agriculture, quality control, certification, administrative, and verification branches comprise much of the CRT, which, since 1999, has certified producers under the ISO 9002 standards.

What Does It Mean For You When The CRT Certifies Your Brand?

Beyond the fact that you need the CRT certification to legally sell your tequila, it also functions as a stamp of authenticity. It’s a safeguard telling consumers your product is to be trusted and that you’re selling them an authentic Mexican tequila–a viable, effective marketing tool in and of itself.

Also, the certification says that your brand complies with each CRT requirement, meaning that you’re operations are transparent, ethical, and lawful.

What Are The Challenges A New Tequila Brand Faces In Obtaining CRT Certification?

The challenges put forth by the CRT and its stringent certification regulations are clear. You must be on top of your due diligence and ensure everything is in order.

Still, registering your new tequila brand for its trademark can be swift when all legal requirements are in check. Unfortunately, hopes of streamlined registration will be halted by regulatory hurdles if your forms aren’t filed correctly and you fail to execute your applications properly.

Below are some helpful suggestions to ensure your CRT certification process is as seamless as possible:

Valuable Tips On Achieving Premium Tequila Certification From The CRT:

Bottling Requirements

You might be confused at how we said tequila must be bottled in Mexico. After all, you’ll find many tequilas on the market that were bottled else. However, none of these are 100% agave tequilas–or premium, authentic Mexican tequila.

Instead, it’s only bulk mixtos (i.e., tequila reposado, gold tequila, silver tequila) that can be bottled outside Mexico. If you want to distribute a high-end product to a more distinguished clientele, only top-tier products like premium tequila from Jalisco Mexico will do.

Furthermore, if an external party does your bottling, they must be certified, too.

Find The Right Legal Representation

As we’ve hinted, the paperwork you’ll deal with during the CRT certification process is extensive, maybe even exhaustive.

Implementing tequila into your organization requires signatures and stamps from your business and your company lawyer on the required documents.

We suggest seeking a lawyer familiar with the CRT certification process to ensure nothing gets missed. If there are snafus that your lawyer missed, it will extend your wait drastically.

Be Aware Of Logistical Expenses

Expenses tend to rack up due to the many obstacles in your way when trying to import and sell CRT-certified tequila. Thus, it’s often suggested that you ship vaster quantities of this tequila since dealing in larger volumes presents the most cost-efficient approach.

Despite the cost-effectiveness of ordering larger quantities, selling tequila is a long-term investment since it will take time to move your product.

Get Familiar With The Required Documentation

You’ll need multiple documents to start getting certified for selling authentic Mexican tequila, especially if you’re outside of Mexico. One such form for tequila importers is the Certificate Bottlers Approval (CAE).

Another example is the original version of the Joint Responsibility Agreement.

Additionally, getting your brand certified by the CRT requires that authorized producers submit a one-time copy of the Trademark Registration Title. Conversely, brands that don’t produce their own tequila are to submit a one-time application.

Should You Try Get CRT Certification On Your Own?

While immersing yourself in the CRT certification process can prove successful, it’s essential to consider what happens if you even make the slightest mistake. Namely, you’ll be potentially spinning your wheels, waiting for approval over several years.

Undoubtedly, if you’re getting into this business and looking to sell premium tequila, you have a professional approach. You understand the market and see a profitable opportunity in your grasp.

Even still, delegation and relying on other experts to help with the process will ensure your tequila brand is up and running sooner rather than later.

On the above note, we suggest partnering with an authentic Mexican tequila maker who already has inroads with the CRT. This way, you’ll have someone leading the way, advising you on the nuances of legal compliance and how to satisfy the various Mexican regulations.

Plus, since the maker/bottler is already certified, you can be confident that you’re selling a legitimate, high-end product that your customers will purchase in droves.

How To Start A Tequila Brand Successfully: Partner With Aceves Spirits

Are you looking to get your tequila brand certified by the CRT and need to ensure that you’re meeting stringent Mexican regulations?

You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Instead, you can partner with Aceves Spirits. We are highly familiarized with the CRT’s regulatory hurdles and grasp the many nuances of getting a new tequila brand certified.

We’ll guide you through each step to ensure the process is as streamlined and hiccup-free as possible. Contact us today to learn more