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Internal Revenue Code · 26 U.S.C.

§ 5388. Designation of wines

In force Text current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026) release point 119-121

Official text, no changes From the Office of the Law Revision Counsel, release point 119-121 (current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026)). Compare it with the official text at uscode.house.gov (external site).

Cite as 26 U.S.C. § 5388

At a glance

Read from the text, the source credit and the official notes. Not part of the law.

Status
In force
Added
September 2, 1958 by Pub. L. 85–859
Last amended
December 20, 2006 by Pub. L. 109–432
Amendments
3 dated changes in the source credit
Length
3 subsections · 656 words · about 3 min to read
(a) Standard wines

Standard wines may be removed from premises subject to the provisions of this subchapter and be marked, transported, and sold under their proper designation as to kind and origin, or, if there is no such designation known to the trade or consumers, then under a truthful and adequate statement of composition.

(b) Other wines

Wines other than standard wines may be removed for consumption or sale and be marked, transported, or sold only under such designation as to kind and origin as adequately describes the true composition of such products and as adequately distinguish them from standard wines, as regulations prescribed by the Secretary shall provide.

(c) Use of semi-generic designations
(1) In general Semi-generic designations may be used to designate wines of an origin other than that indicated by such name only if—
(A) there appears in direct conjunction therewith an appropriate appellation of origin disclosing the true place of origin of the wine, and
(B) the wine so designated conforms to the standard of identity, if any, for such wine contained in the regulations under this section or, if there is no such standard, to the trade understanding of such class or type.
(2) Determination of whether name is semi-­generic
(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a name of geographic significance, which is also the designation of a class or type of wine, shall be deemed to have become semi-generic only if so found by the Secretary.

(B) Certain names treated as semi-generic

The following names shall be treated as semi-generic: Angelica, Burgundy, Claret, Chablis, Champagne, Chianti, Malaga, Marsala, Madeira, Moselle, Port, Rhine Wine or Hock, Sauterne, Haut Sauterne, Sherry, Tokay.

(3) Special rule for use of certain semi-generic designations
(A) In general In the case of any wine to which this paragraph applies—
(i) paragraph (1) shall not apply,
(ii) in the case of wine of the European Community, designations referred to in subparagraph (C)(i) may be used for such wine only if the requirement of subparagraph (B)(ii) is met, and
(iii) in the case any other wine bearing a brand name, or brand name and fanciful name, semi-generic designations may be used for such wine only if the requirements of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (B) are met.
(B) Requirements
(i) The requirement of this clause is met if there appears in direct conjunction with the semi-generic designation an appropriate appellation of origin disclosing the origin of the wine.
(ii) The requirement of this clause is met if the wine conforms to the standard of identity, if any, for such wine contained in the regulations under this section or, if there is no such standard, to the trade understanding of such class or type.
(iii) The requirement of this clause is met if the person, or its successor in interest, using the semi-generic designation held a Certificate of Label Approval or Certificate of Exemption from Label Approval issued by the Secretary for a wine label bearing such brand name, or brand name and fanciful name, before March 10, 2006, on which such semi-generic designation appeared.
(C) Wines to which paragraph applies
(i) In general

Except as provided in clause (ii), this paragraph shall apply to any grape wine which is designated as Burgundy, Claret, Chablis, Champagne, Chianti, Malaga, Marsala, Madeira, Moselle, Port, Retsina, Rhine Wine or Hock, Sauterne, Haut Sauterne, Sherry, or Tokay.

(ii) Exception This paragraph shall not apply to wine which—
(I) contains less than 7 percent or more than 24 percent alcohol by volume,
(II) is intended for sale outside the United States, or
(III) does not bear a brand name.

(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, § 201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1387; amended Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 105–34, title IX, § 910(a), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 877; Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title IV, § 422(a), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 2972.)

Amendment history

From the source credit and the official notes, newest first.

  1. Amended by Pub. L. 109–432Parts changed in 2006: (c)(3)
  2. Amended by Pub. L. 105–34Parts changed in 1997: (c)
  3. Amended by Pub. L. 94–455
  4. Added by Pub. L. 85–859

Where it sits in the Code

  1. Subtitle E Alcohol, Tobacco, and Certain Other Excise Taxes
  2. Chapter 51 DISTILLED SPIRITS, WINES, AND BEER
  3. Subchapter F Bonded and Taxpaid Wine Premises
  4. Part III CELLAR TREATMENT AND CLASSIFICATION OF WINE

Nearby sections

Official notes

Show the Law Revision Counsel's notes (amendments, effective dates)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5388, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 672, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.

Amendments

2006—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 109–432 added par. (3).

1997—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–34 added subsec. (c).

1976—Pub. L. 94–455 struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title IV, § 422(b), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 2973, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to wine imported or bottled in the United States on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2006].”

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–34, title IX, § 910(b), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 877, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 5, 1997].”