Getting and Maintaining a New Hampshire DTC License
What out-of-state spirits producers need to know about shipping directly to consumers in the Granite State.
New Hampshire allows out-of-state spirits producers to ship directly to its citizens, but the requirements are specific and the shipping limits are tight. Here’s what you need to know before you apply.
Cost
The direct shipper permit costs $500 per year. Beyond the permit fee, you’ll collect and remit an 8% fee on the retail price of each order monthly. This fee can be passed along to the customer, so in practice it functions like a sales tax.
General Requirements
Federal BASIC Permit
You must hold a valid Federal BASIC Permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) before applying.
Out-of-State Distiller Permit
New Hampshire requires that out-of-state applicants also hold a distiller permit issued by their home state. If your state doesn’t issue a distiller-specific permit, contact the New Hampshire Liquor Commission before applying.
Shipping Limits
New Hampshire has one of the stricter volume caps in the country. No direct shipper may send more than 27 gallons of spirits in individual containers of one liter or less to any single New Hampshire address per year. That works out to roughly 102 standard 750ml bottles annually per customer, but given the one-liter container limit, you’ll want to verify that your packaging is compliant before shipping.
Shipment Requirements
Every shipment into New Hampshire must:
- Be properly labeled in accordance with state requirements
- Require the signature of a person 21 years of age or older upon delivery
- Not be delivered to the town of Ellsworth, which is a dry town
Monthly Reporting
Each month you must file a report with the New Hampshire Liquor Commission covering every shipment made during the previous month, along with payment of the 8% fee on the retail price of those orders. Staying current on these filings is critical since late or missed reports can put your permit at risk.
How Hearts Compliance Helps
Hearts Compliance handles the application on your behalf. For producers who want a fully managed experience, we offer an upgraded plan that covers monthly filings and ongoing compliance reporting as well. You provide accurate shipping records and we take it from there.