New U.S. Restrictions on Canadian Alcohol Imports Take Effect September 29

Beginning September 29, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. ET, the United States will prohibit the importation of specified Canadian alcoholic beverages. For Michigan bars, restaurants, and retailers, however, the most important takeaway is this: the new federal action does not require licensees to remove Canadian products that are already lawfully in U.S. inventory.

In practical terms, Michigan licensees can continue selling Canadian whisky and other affected Canadian beverage-alcohol products that are already in lawful U.S. inventory. The more immediate concern is what happens after that inventory begins to run down.

As the import restrictions take effect, businesses could begin to see changes in distributor availability, difficulty obtaining replacement inventory, and potential pricing pressure on affected products. For bars, restaurants, and retailers that regularly sell Canadian brands, the issue is therefore primarily one of future supply and cost, not a prohibition on selling existing stock.

The restrictions cover a broad range of Canadian alcoholic beverages, including Canadian whisky and rye, other whiskies, rum, gin, vodka, liqueurs and cordials, brandy, bitters, beer, wine, cider, and certain other fermented beverages.

There are also some important details that could affect how individual products are treated. Products imported before the September 29 effective date may still be subject to additional duties depending on their customs entry status and classification. Bulk spirits may also be treated differently from finished retail products based on packaging, container size, and whether the product is imported for bottling in the United States. As a result, the impact may vary by product or brand.

For MLBA members that carry Canadian products, now is a good time to talk with distributors about expected availability and consider near-term inventory needs. Licensees should also continue watching for distributor guidance, U.S. Customs and Border Protection implementation details, and any agreement, suspension, or other change involving the United States and Canada before September 29.

The bottom line for Michigan licensees is straightforward: you are not being required to pull Canadian products from your shelves, coolers, or back bars. The bigger concern is whether those products will be as readily available, and at the same price, once current inventories begin to be depleted.

The MLBA will continue monitoring implementation of the restrictions and provide members with additional information as it becomes available.

This information is provided as a general industry update and is not legal advice. Import treatment may vary depending on product classification, packaging, timing, and customs entry status.