California Extends CRV Labeling Deadline for Wine to July 2026

Wineries shipping to California now have until July 1, 2026, to include mandatory California Redemption Value (CRV) labeling on all wine containers. This one-year extension, signed into law as part of Assembly Bill 720, pushes the previous deadline of July 1, 2025, providing much-needed time for producers to update their labels and packaging. This change to the California CRV labeling requirements is a critical update for any winery with a California Type 82 Direct Shipper Permit.

Key takeaways

• New Deadline: The mandatory date for having CRV-compliant labels on all wine sold in California is now July 1, 2026.
• The Law: The extension was passed under Assembly Bill 720.
• What It Applies To: The rule applies to nearly all wine sold in California, including bottles, cans, and bag-in-box formats, regardless of whether it's sold DTC or through wholesale.
• Compliance Options: Wineries can comply by printing the CRV message directly on the label, using a compliant sticker, or adding a QR code that links to the required information.

The New Deadline: What AB 720 Changes

California's container recycling program, known as the Bottle Bill, has been in place for decades. A recent expansion of the program brought wine and spirits into the CRV system, effective January 1, 2024. While the program took effect then, the deadline for mandatory container labeling was originally set for July 1, 2025.

Recognizing the challenges this timeline posed for inventory, label design, and printing, the state passed AB 720. This bill provides a straightforward one-year extension. All wine containers sold in the state, including those shipped directly to consumers, must now bear the CRV indicia by July 1, 2026.

This extension gives wineries valuable time to sell through existing inventory without the CRV message and to thoughtfully incorporate the new labeling requirements into their production cycles.

California CRV Labeling Requirements for Wineries

Compliance can be achieved in a few different ways, giving wineries flexibility. The CRV message can be placed on the container body, a primary or secondary label, or the container cap. The three main options are:

It is crucial for wineries to coordinate with their label designers and printers to ensure their chosen method meets CalRecycle's specific requirements.

How This Affects DTC Wineries

For direct-to-consumer wineries, this extension provides breathing room but doesn't eliminate the need for action. Wineries holding a Type 82 Direct Shipper Permit must ensure that any wine shipped to California consumers after the deadline is fully compliant.

Failure to comply can result in fines and jeopardize a winery's shipping permit. Wineries should use this extra year to:

1. Plan Inventory: Develop a strategy to transition from non-labeled to labeled inventory ahead of the July 2026 deadline.
2. Update Designs: Work with designers to incorporate the CRV message or a QR code into new label prints.
3. Talk to Your Compliance Partner: Confirm that your shipping and compliance processes are updated to reflect the new requirements.

Frequently asked questions

### When is the new CRV labeling deadline for wine in California?

The new deadline is July 1, 2026. All wine containers sold or shipped to consumers in California must have the required CRV labeling by this date.

### Can I just use a sticker to add the CRV message to my bottles?

Yes, using a sticker is a permitted way to comply. The sticker must be securely attached, and the text must meet the state's size and color contrast requirements (typically 3/16" or 1/8" high).

### What are the rules for using a QR code for CRV labeling?

You can use a QR code instead of text, but it must be at least a half-inch high. The code must link to a public webpage that clearly displays the required California Redemption Value information.

### Does this law apply to wine I bottled before 2024?

The rule applies to any wine sold in California after the deadline, regardless of when it was bottled. The extension to July 1, 2026, gives you more time to sell through older, non-compliant inventory before the labeling becomes mandatory.

### Do I still need a Type 82 permit to ship wine to California?

Yes, the CRV labeling requirement is in addition to all other existing rules. A Type 82 Wine Direct Shipper Permit is still required for out-of-state wineries to ship directly to California consumers. For more on general shipping rules, see our main [/faq] page.

Sources

• CalRecycle, Beverage Container Recycling: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/bevcontainer/ (Checked: 2026-08-10)
• Wine Institute, AB 720 Becomes Law: https://wineinstitute.org/news-alerts/ab-720-becomes-law-expanding-opportunities-for-wineries/ (Checked: 2026-08-10)
• California Legislative Information, AB-720: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB720 (Checked: 2026-08-10)

This article is general information, not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the state agency or your compliance provider before shipping.