Iowa Trade Practice Rules Reference Guide

Iowa law requires that the Iowa Department of Revenue (Department) adopt as administrative rules the substance of the federal trade practice regulations prescribed by the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau of the United States Treasury Department (TTB). The Department has adopted these regulations as rules in Iowa Administrative Code chapter 701—1003.

The rules describe the business practices that are allowed and prohibited among alcohol manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in the areas of tied house, exclusive outlets, commercial bribery, and consignment sales. The purpose of the rules is to help ensure a fair, level, and competitive playing field in the alcoholic beverages marketplace.

This guide is intended to be used by industry members (alcohol manufacturers and wholesalers) and retailers to quickly look up certain practices or items governed by the trade practice rules. The contents are sorted in alphabetical order. When viewing this document electronically, from the table of contents a certain topic can be clicked on to be taken directly to that topic’s location in the document.

This guide is for educational purposes only. It does not replace any applicable laws, rules, or court decisions. It also should not be considered legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel.

Any party seeking a formal and binding interpretation of the law as it applies to your specific situation and facts may submit a Petition for Declaratory Order with the Department. To review petition requirements and more information about the Declaratory Order process, see Iowa Code section 17A.9 and Iowa Administrative Code rule 701—4.7.