Procedures for applying for a liquor distribution license: detailed instructions

Article overview

Applying for a liquor distribution license is an important step for businesses to legalize alcohol distribution activities in the market. Owning this license not only helps businesses comply with legal regulations but also expands business opportunities, enhances reputation and reaches many potential partners. The article below will provide detailed instructions on the conditions, documents and process for applying for a liquor distribution license.

 Instructions for applying for a liquor distribution license
Instructions for applying for a liquor distribution license

Conditions for obtaining a liquor distribution license

According to Article 11 of Decree No. 105/2017/ND-CP, the distribution of alcohol must comply with strict conditions. Enterprises need to meet the requirements for legal status and distribution system.

Specific conditions include:

  • Is an enterprise established according to the provisions of the law;
  • Have a wine distribution system in 02 provinces and centrally run cities or more; In each province or centrally run city, there must be at least 01 wine wholesaler. In case an enterprise establishes a branch or business location outside the head office to sell alcohol, confirmation from the alcohol wholesaler is not required;
  • There is a written introduction or principle contract from a wine producer, another wine distributor, or an overseas wine supplier.
Conditions for applying for a liquor distribution license
Conditions for applying for a liquor distribution license

Application for a liquor distribution license

According to the provisions of Article 21 of Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, the application for an alcohol distribution license needs to be fully prepared.

Application dossier for a Liquor Distribution License (01 set) includes:

  1. Application for a Liquor Distribution License according to Form No. 01 issued with Decree 105/2017/ND-CP;
  2. Copy of Business Registration Certificate or documents of equivalent legal validity;
  3. Documents on alcohol distribution systems include one of the following two types:
  • A copy of the principle contract, confirmation letter or commitment to participate in the alcohol distribution system with a copy of the alcohol wholesale license of the trader expected to participate in the alcohol distribution system;
  • A copy of the enterprise’s branch operation registration certificate or the enterprise’s business location registration certificate to sell alcohol.
  1. Documents related to alcohol suppliers:
  • Copies of introductory documents or principle contracts of wine producers, other wine distributors or overseas wine suppliers, clearly stating the types of wine expected to be sold in accordance with the activities of alcohol suppliers;
  • In case the alcohol supplier is a domestic trader, a copy of the Alcohol Production License or Alcohol Distribution License is required.

Procedures for applying for a liquor distribution license

Submit documents to the competent authority

According to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 25 of Decree 105/ND-CP, applications for alcohol distribution licenses are submitted to the following agencies:

  • For wine with an alcohol concentration of 5.5 degrees or more, submit documents to the Ministry of Industry and Trade;
  • For wine with an alcohol content of less than 5.5 degrees, the application must be submitted to the Economic Department or the Economic and Infrastructure Department of the district People’s Committee where the trader is located.

Applications can be submitted through the following methods:

  • Direct;
  • By mail;
  • Online (if available).

Appraisal and approval process

According to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 25, Decree 105/2017/ND-CP, within 15 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents, the competent state agency shall consider, appraise and grant License for traders. In case of refusal, a written response must be made clearly stating the reason.

In case there are not enough valid documents, within 03 working days from the date of receiving the documents, the licensing agency must issue a written request for supplementation.

The time and fees

Processing time when applying for a liquor distribution license is 15 working days from when a complete and valid application is submitted. During this time, the authorities will conduct inspections and verify information and necessary conditions of the business before granting a license.

Pursuant to Article 4 of Circular 168/TT-BTC issued by the Ministry of Finance on October 26, 2011, the fee for applying for a liquor distribution license is determined as follows:

In centrally run cities and provincial cities and towns:

  • For organizations and businesses: 1,200,000 VND/business location/appraisal;
  • For households and individuals: 400,000 VND/business location/appraisal.

In other areas: the appraisal fee is equal to 50% (fifty percent) of the corresponding fee in the two cases above.

Time limit for applying for a license
Time limit for applying for a license

Notes when applying for a liquor distribution license

When applying for a liquor distribution license, businesses need to fully comply with regulations and carefully prepare the necessary conditions to ensure legal business operations. Below are some important notes to help businesses follow the correct process and obtain an alcohol distribution license in a convenient and effective way.

Firstly, prepare complete and accurate documents: Make sure the license application is complete, including all necessary legal documents and accurate information about the business, facilities, as well as land use rights certificates and lease contracts, if any.

Second, ensure distribution system conditions: Enterprises need to build a clear, legal distribution system that meets legal standards to ensure alcohol is distributed reasonably and safely.

Third, comply with warehousing and transportation regulations: Note to ensure that the wine storage warehouse must meet safety standards, properly stored, and the transportation of products must comply with regulations related to environmental protection and traffic safety.

Fourth, comply with regulations on periodic reporting: Enterprises need to fully and on time carry out periodic reports on distribution activities, including the quantity of alcohol distributed and related information, according to requests from authorities to avoid violating the law.

The above notes not only help businesses ensure the legality of their operations but also create a solid foundation for sustainable development in the alcohol distribution industry.

Liquor distribution license application service in Long Phan

At Long Phan, we provide comprehensive services with professional processes. A team of experienced consultants provides support from preparation to completion of documents. Below, we provide services for applying for a liquor distribution license including:

  • Consulting on conditions for applying for a liquor distribution license;
  • Support customers in drafting and reviewing documents;
  • Representing customers to submit and explain documents to competent authorities;
  • In-depth advice to customers on related rights and obligations when applying for a license;
  • Consulting and solving problems that arise throughout the licensing process.

With the complex requirements and processes when applying for a liquor distribution license, businesses should consider using specialized support services to ensure the license application goes smoothly and in accordance with regulations. With extensive experience in this field, we will help you save maximum time, and costs. If you have any needs, please contact Long Phan immediately via the hotline: 0906735386 for the most professional and effective advice.