##  [Jamaica Opens Public Consultation on Draft Tequila Standard (DJS 381:2026)](/index%2ephp/consumer-industry-news/jamaica-opens-public-consultation-on-draft-tequila-standard-djs-3812026) 

May 14, 2026

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica has issued Draft Jamaican Standard DJS 381:2026 for tequila, with a public comment period open from May 10 to July 9, 2026.  
The compulsory draft standard establishes specifications for tequila production, composition, contaminants, packaging, labelling, and sampling requirements in Jamaica, aligning with Mexican tequila standards, Codex texts, and ISO sampling procedures.

a-The draft recognizes:  
“100% Agave” tequila  
“Tequila” containing up to 49% non-agave sugars

b-Recognized tequila classes include:  
Silver (Blanco)  
Gold (Joven/Oro)  
Aged (Reposado)  
Extra-aged (Añejo)  
Ultra-aged (Extra Añejo)

Composition & Processing  
Alcohol content: 35–55% ABV  
Permitted mellowing ingredients include caramel colouring, oak extracts, glycerine, and sugar-based syrups  
Flavourings must comply with Codex CAC/GL 66  
“100% Agave” products cannot use non-agave sugars

The standard establishes limits for:  
Methanol  
Higher alcohols  
Aldehydes  
Esters  
Furfural  
Dry extract

Maximum contaminant limits are specified for Arsenic,Lead, Tin, Copper, Iron, Mercury, Cadmium  
Microbiological criteria include Total plate count  
,Yeast and mould, Coliforms

Labels must declare:  
1.Product name  
2.Manufacturer details  
3.Alcohol content  
4.Ingredient list  
5.Net contents  
6.Batch code  
7.Country of origin  
8.Storage conditions

The draft also Prohibits health claims on alcoholic beverages  
Requires warnings on drinking and driving, excessive consumption, medication interaction, pregnancy risks, and underage drinking  
Establishes minimum warning logo/pictogram sizes based on pack volume  
Packaging & Sampling  
Products must use suitable food-grade containers  
Packaging must comply with excise sealing requirements



Source

[https://www.bsj.org.jm/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Draft-Jamaican-Standard-Tequi…](https://www.bsj.org.jm/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Draft-Jamaican-Standard-Tequila-public-comments-final.pdf)

 

Consumer News Tags

Jamaica, DJS 381:2026 , tequila Standard.