Beer Label Requirements: What Craft Breweries Need on Every Bottle and Can

Before your beer hits a shelf, the label has to satisfy federal rules — and before it hits an ice bucket, it has to survive one. Here's the quick tour for craft brewers.

The federal basics

Beer sold across state lines generally needs TTB label approval (a COLA). Labels typically must show the brand name, class or type (ale, lager, stout), net contents, the bottler's name and address, and the government health warning in the required format. Alcohol content rules vary — some states require it, TTB regulates how it's stated. Always verify current requirements with TTB and your state's ABC agency.

State rules stack on top

Distribution states can add their own registration and label requirements. If you self-distribute in one state only, your state's rules may be the main gate — talk to your local brewers guild.

The part most brewers learn the hard way: material

A paper label dies in the ice bucket at the exact moment a customer is looking at it. Waterproof BOPP beer labels hold through ice, condensation, and fridge humidity without lifting — and matte BOPP nails the craft aesthetic.

Sizing a bottle label

A 4" × 3.5" rectangle suits a 12 oz longneck front panel. For a full wrap, measure circumference (~8.5") and subtract 0.25" for overlap. Cans typically take a 8.125" × 3.625" wrap.

This is general information, not legal advice — confirm requirements with TTB and your state before printing.

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