CERTIFICATES OF IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS FOR FRENCH GRAPE BRANDIES OTHER THAN COGNAC AND ARMAGNAC.

Importers, and others concerned:

Purpose. The purpose of this Circular is to advise importers of French Brandies that all such brandies (other than Cognac and Armagnac) shipped from foreign ports to the United States must, in addition to the required age and origin certificates, be accompanied by certificates of identification and analysis.

Background: In order to assure that French Brandy exported to the United States meets the standard of identity for "Brandy" under United States regulations, a method of control by analysis has been adopted by France through the French Ministry of Agriculture.

Conclusion. We have been advised by the French Government that all French Grape Brandies, other than Cognac and Armagnac, shipped to the United States after June 1, 1961, will be covered by an analysis certificate issued by the French Ministry of Agriculture. Two Laboratories have been designated by the French Government to make analysis and issue certificates pursuant thereto. A certificate issued by either the "Laboratoire Central De Recherches Et D'Analyses" or the "Station Agronomique Et Oenologique De Bordeaux" will be acceptable to effect release of the Brandies covered thereby from Customs custody.

Where French brandies are exported after June 1, 1961, to another country prior to shipment to the United States, such brandies may not be released from Customs custody in the United States unless accompanied by a certificate issued by a duly authorized officer of such other country certi- fying that the brandy was received from France, accompanied by French certificates of age and origin and certificates of analysis issued by ( name of Laboratory ), and while in such other country was not blended or otherwise treated prior to shipment to the United States.

Inquiries. Correspondence regarding this Circular should refer to its number and be addressed to the Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division (O:AT:B), Washington 25, D. C.

Dwight E. Avis

Director, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division