New Alcohol Approval System – Effective 1st February 2025
From 1st February 2025, the Alcoholic Products Producer Approval (APPA) replaced the previous alcohol production registrations and licences. This new system allows new producers to apply online for approval to produce alcoholic products.
Launch of Online Service – 1st March 2025
On 1st March 2025, HMRC will launch the Manage your Alcohol Dutyonline service. This will enable producers to submit monthly returns and payments online for the first time.
With this new system, producers will be able to report and pay duty for all types of alcoholic products (beer, cider, wine, spirits, and other fermented products) in a single monthly return.
Migration of Existing Producers
In February, producers who were previously approved under the old system were migrated to the new APPA system.
Action Required: APPA ID and Service Enrolment
If you are an existing producer, you should have received a letter by 25th February 2025 containing your APPA ID and instructions on how to enrol in the Manage your Alcohol Duty service. As some producers may have multiple premises, HMRC recommend checking for this letter at all locations.
HMRC encourage existing producers to enrol as soon as possible, and no later than 15th March 2025, to ensure they are ready to submit their first return.
Further Assistance
You can view the HMRC recorded webinar, Alcohol Duty — Approvals, Returns and Payments, for further guidance.
If you have not received your APPA ID letter by 25th February 2025, please email nru.alcohol@hmrc.gov.uk, including the following details:
- Business name
- Registered business address (including postcode)
- Unique Tax Reference (UTR)
Enrolment Requirements:
To enrol, you will need your APPA ID and one of the following:
- Business postcode (from your APPA ID letter)
- Self-Assessment UTR or Corporation Tax UTR
Once enrolled, you will only need to submit one return each month, covering all alcoholic products across all approved premises.
Important Dates:
- The first return is due by 15th March 2025 for products released in February 2025
- Payment must be received by HMRC by 25th March 2025.
For more information, please consult the Alcohol Duty Guidance and create or access your account on HMRC Online Services.
Photo by G. Jau
