Vendor Code
A vendor code is a legacy identification number previously used by the TTB to identify organizations submitting COLA applications, which is no longer actively assigned but appears in historical records.
In Plain English
The vendor code is an old identification number that the TTB used to track who was submitting label applications. It was a separate identifier from the permit number, used primarily for administrative purposes in the pre-electronic era. While vendor codes are no longer actively assigned to new applicants, they still appear in historical COLA records. If you are analyzing older filings, you might see vendor codes alongside or instead of permit numbers. For current filings, the permit number has taken over as the primary identifier for the submitting organization.
Technical Detail
Vendor codes were part of the TTB's legacy data management system and served as a link between COLA applications and the submitting organization. The codes were alphanumeric identifiers assigned at the organizational level. With the transition to COLAs Online and modernization of TTB data systems, vendor codes have been deprecated in favor of permit numbers as the primary organizational identifier. Historical COLA records in the TTB database may contain vendor codes without corresponding permit numbers, or both identifiers. BevAlc Intelligence maps vendor codes to companies when available, but primarily relies on company name matching and permit number linkage for company identification.
Why It Matters
Vendor codes are primarily relevant for historical data analysis. Researchers examining filing trends across long time periods may encounter vendor codes as the only organizational identifier in older records. Understanding that these codes exist and what they represent helps ensure accurate historical analysis. For current market intelligence, vendor codes have been superseded by permit numbers and company normalization.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Are vendor codes still assigned to new applicants?
No. Vendor codes are a legacy system that has been replaced by permit numbers and COLAs Online account identifiers. New applicants do not receive vendor codes.
Where can I find vendor codes in COLA data?
Vendor codes appear in the historical COLA database records, particularly for filings predating the COLAs Online system. They are stored in a dedicated field separate from the permit number.
Can I use a vendor code to identify a company?
In historical records, yes. A vendor code consistently identifies the same organization across multiple filings. However, for current research, permit numbers and company name matching are more reliable identification methods.