Certifies tequila production
The CRT verifies compliance with NOM-006-SCFI-2012, the official Mexican standard covering tequila specifications, production, bottling, labelling and trade.
COMPLIANCE MADE SIMPLE
CRT
REGISTRATION
EXPLAINED.
What brands, bottlers and manufacturers need to put in place before a tequila project moves into production.
THE USEFUL ANSWER
Start the compliance route before production is booked.
The producer, brand, product, bottler and label all need to fit the approved tequila route.
QUICK ANSWER
STARTEARLY.
The Consejo Regulador del Tequila, usually shortened to CRT, inspects, analyses and certifies compliance with the official tequila standard and protects the Tequila Appellation of Origin.
For a UK project, the exact approvals depend on the liquid, the authorised Mexican producer, the brand, where the tequila will be bottled or used, and the final label. Do not leave this until the liquid is already on the water.
THE PRACTICAL VERSION
WHAT DOES
THE CRT DO?
The CRT is not simply a logo approval service. It is part of the conformity system behind authentic tequila.
Protects the Appellation of Origin
It helps safeguard the use of the word Tequila and the authenticity of products sold under the protected designation.
Controls approved supply routes
The liquid must come from an authorised producer and be exported for the named approved bottler or manufacturer, brand or product and destination within the applicable controls.
WHAT NEEDS TO LINE UP
IT IS MORE THAN
ONE REGISTRATION.
Buyers often call the whole process CRT registration. In practice, several connected elements may need approval or validation.
The Producer
The tequila must be produced by an authorised producer operating under the official standard and CRT conformity controls.
THE LIQUID STARTS HEREThe Brand
The brand and its relationship to the producer need to be properly documented before it is used on a certified tequila product.
CONFIRM OWNERSHIP AND USEThe Bottling Route
Bulk tequila bottled or used outside Mexico is subject to specific controls. The named facility, brand or product and export route must be approved before shipment, and the tequila cannot be transferred onwards in bulk to a third party.
VALIDATE BEFORE PRODUCTIONThe Label
The final label must accurately reflect the category, class, origin, producer and other mandatory tequila information.
REVIEW BEFORE PRINTINGA SENSIBLE PROJECT ORDER
HOW THE ROUTE
SHOULD WORK.
The exact steps vary by project, but the sequence below prevents the most common and expensive delays.
Define the product
Confirm the tequila category, class, agave specification, format and production location.
Confirm the producer
Match the project to an authorised producer and an exportable liquid specification.
Set the brand route
Prepare the brand details, ownership evidence and producer relationship required for the project.
Validate bottling and labels
Confirm the intended facility, activity and final packaging information before production.
Release and import
Complete the certificates, export documents and shipment paperwork for the approved route.
BE READY WITH THE DETAIL
WHAT INFORMATION
WILL BE NEEDED?
The precise documents depend on the project. These are the details that should normally be clear before the formal route begins.
Product specification
Category, class, agave percentage, ABV, volume and intended use.
Brand information
Brand name, owner, trademark evidence where applicable and the relationship with the authorised producer.
Production details
The producer, UK bottler or manufacturer, facility address and activities being carried out.
Artwork and labels
Final or near-final packaging showing the mandatory tequila statements and origin information.
Shipment documents
Certificates, batch information, export paperwork and documents required by the import route.
WHERE PROJECTS GET STUCK
COMMON
DELAYS.
Most problems are avoidable when the compliance route is considered at the same time as product development.
Choosing an impossible route
For example, planning to import 100% agave tequila in bulk for UK bottling. That category must be bottled at origin in Mexico.
Printing labels too early
Artwork should not be committed until the approved producer, product category, class and required statements are confirmed.
Booking an unconfirmed facility
The intended bottler or manufacturer must fit the permitted tequila route and the activities taking place there.
Starting after production is due
Approvals, inspections and paperwork take coordination. Build them into the development plan rather than treating them as a final task.
WHO DOES WHAT?
THE THREE SIDES
OF THE PROJECT.
The Mexican Producer
Produces the tequila, provides the certified liquid route and supports the CRT-side documentation and export process.
The Brand or Buyer
Provides accurate brand, product, artwork, commercial and production information and makes decisions early enough for approval.
The UK Production Partner
Handles the tequila only within the approved route and maintains the production, traceability and records required for the project.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
COMPLIANCE FIRST.
PRINT SECOND.
Confirm the liquid, producer, brand route and production location before artwork is printed or manufacturing is booked. It is much easier to build a compliant project than repair one later.
TALK TO US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
Important: This page is a practical overview, not legal advice. The requirements for an individual project should be confirmed with the authorised producer, the CRT and the relevant UK advisers before production. Official references include the CRT Certification Body, the CRT Inspection Unit and NOM-006-SCFI-2012.
Bulk transfer restriction: CRT model co-responsibility agreements require the approved bottler or manufacturer to use the tequila supplied for its named brand or product route and prohibit onward transfer or commercialisation to third parties in bulk. Confirm the exact agreement and approvals for every project with the authorised producer and CRT.
NEED HELP WITH
THE CRT ROUTE?
Tell us what you are making, where it will be produced and when you need it.