Last week, US distillers were shocked to learn the Food and Drug Administration planned to charge them $14,000 for producing hand sanitizer in 2020. However, industry advocacy groups jumped into action, and within 48 hours, leadership at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services had withdrawn the scheduled fees.
In a statement sent in conjunction with the reversal, Brian Harrison, HHS Chief of Staff, said: “Small businesses who stepped up to fight COVID-19 should be applauded by their government, not taxed for doing so. I’m pleased to announce we have directed FDA to cease enforcement of these arbitrary, surprise user fees. Happy New Year, distilleries, and cheers to you for helping keep us safe!”
Source: Distillery Trail, January 2021