The LCBO is proud to work together with our agents and suppliers to provide Ontarians with a vast selection of local and international beverage alcohol products that comply with regulatory requirements for quality and safety. With ever-expanding sales channels and a growing product portfolio, we are continually looking at opportunities to expedite the product flow, streamline our processes and enhance operational efficiencies to serve you better.
To support these goals, we are implementing a series of new initiatives, the first of which were shared in July 2021, HERE.
We would like to share with you the next set of initiatives and updates:
1. Process changes for VINTAGES Release products
Each period, as many as 250 new products are released in limited quantities through our VINTAGES retail release and online exclusive program. Quality Assurance is currently working on options to expedite the release of these products to market and to alleviate any shipment delays that may be encountered.
It is the responsibility of agents and suppliers to ensure their products meet all Canadian regulations including, without limitation, LCBO chemical, labelling and packaging standards. If products are found to be non-compliant with these standards, non-compliance penalties and applicable charges for corrective actions will be issued to the supplier.
2. Lab processing fees
Through its programs and testing services, LCBO's Quality Assurance department supports the organization’s goal of ensuring Ontarians have access to safe, authentic, quality products that are compliant with regulations and LCBO standards. These programs validate the chemical composition, labelling and packaging compliance, to ensure the product is adequate for sale.
Following on our commitment expressed last year, the lab testing fees will be applied to products where the annual quantity exceeds 90L. This update will be implemented in the coming months, as we complete the required technology enhancements to support this change. A processing fee of $50 (plus taxes) will be applied to all other Quality Assurance samples when the full testing fee is not applied.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and collaboration as we work together to foster an optimized supply chain, to increase consumers’ access to new and innovative beverage alcohol products, and to advance our commitment to leading positive change in the beverage alcohol industry.
Inquiries about Quality Assurance requirements for product testing and compliance or laboratory testing services may be directed to the LCBO Quality Assurance Department via email at quality.assurance@lcbo.com or (416) 864-6724.