AWRS Application Assistance
Get approved under HMRC's Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS)
Planning to sell alcohol business-to-business in the UK? We’ll make sure you have everything HMRC requires.
An Introduction to the AWRS
Interested in B2B alcohol sales in the UK? You’ll likely need AWRS approval.
HMRC launched the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS) in April 2017 to combat Excise Duty fraud. You must register if:
- Your UK business plans to sell, offer for sale, or arrange wholesales of alcohol.
- You sell alcohol at or after the point when excise duty is due.
- You sell alcohol to other UK businesses for resale.
Not registering, or buying from unregistered suppliers, can result in serious fines or even criminal penalties.
Not sure if you need approval? Read our detailed guide on when AWRS applies.
The AWRS Application Process
We help you understand the application process for AWRS approval
HMRC uses your application to check if your business, and its managers, are fit and proper . They’ll review:
- Past HMRC compliance issues such as late filings.
- Your wholesale business plan for commercial viability.
- Letters of intent from potential customers and suppliers.
- Your due diligence policy and example checks.
- Additional documents like proof of premises, ID, and bank details.
Timeline:
- Apply at least 45 working days before you start trading.
- Use the Government Gateway to submit your application.
- The application must be made by your business or a registered agent (e.g., an accountant).
- HMRC will generally contact you within 1–2 weeks to request documents and arrange an interview.
- You’ll typically get a decision within 45 working days of submission.
- Tip: Have all documents ready before applying, or tight deadlines may force you to withdraw and reapply.
Your AWRS Business Plan
We can review your draft plan - or write it from scratch.
Your business plan should include:
- What you will sell and who your customers are.
- Unit costs and competitor pricing.
- Your logistics: supply, transport, storage, customs.
- Letters of intent from suppliers/customers.
- Financials: startup funding, bank details, Profit & Loss forecast.
Our help:
Experienced traders: Use our template - we’ll review and refine your draft.
New to the trade? We’ll create your plan based on your answers to a few simple questions.
Your AWRS Due Diligence Policy
We prepare your HMRC-compliant due diligence policy.
HMRC expects you to actively verify your suppliers and customers . We provide a policy that goes beyond paperwork - focusing on confirmation, not just collection.
You will need to check:
- Company registration and HMRC approvals (VAT, EORI, AWRS).
- That names and addresses match official records.
- That the business is solvent.
We also complete sample due diligence checks for the businesses name in your letters of intent.
Our Services & Fees
We are AWRS specialists offering tailored, fixed-fee support with a fast turnaround.
Standard AWRS Application Assistance – £299. This service includes:
- Review of the draft business plan that you will prepare using our template.
- Review of letters of intent (templates included).
- Preparation of your due diligence policy and sample checks.
- Advice on supporting documents.
- Interview preparation and HMRC query support.
Business Plan Preparation – £249:
If you’re just starting out, we’ll write your business plan from scratch based on your answers and any branding you’ve developed (e.g., website, social media).
We'll prepare a detailed draft plan and revise it with your feedback.
Want to discuss your application?