Verification Details

His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the designated authority for the verification that a Scotch Whisky warehouse or producer is legitimate. Scotch Whisky has a Protected Geographical Indication (GI), which means that HMRC is legally required to verify that every step of production - from the distillery to the maturation warehouse follows strict rules.

Other spirits are not legally protected and so do not have such security controls.

Public Data Notice

A public directory does not exist but verification methods are available.

HMRC restricts access to the full list of all authorized excise warehouses due to commercial sensitivity and security risks. The list is protected by the government as publicly disclosing all their details and the exact locations of high-value, alcohol inventory poses a substantial security threat by organized crime and theft, to both the facilities and the national revenue.

As of March 3, 2025, HMRC has officially abolished the requirement for Duty Representatives (GBDR) and Owners of Goods (GBOG) to be registered under WOWGR due to security risks.

Verification Tools

While the HMRC does not maintain a public registry, they do provide specific validation means to confirm the status of known entities. This helps ensure data security while allowing for necessary due diligence

(1) HRMC Spirit Drinks Verification (SDV) Search

Access Public

Method Search by Facility / Warehouse Name

If a warehouse is not on this list, it is not authorized to store Scotch Whisky.

HMRC SDV Search

(2) The Warehousekeeper Check

Access Private

Method Search internal HMRC systems by ID

If you are moving goods into a bonded warehouse, the Warehousekeeper (GBWK) has access to internal HMRC systems for verification purposes. They are the only ones who can search specific ID’s such as the Warehouse Approval, Excise ID, Duty Representative and WOWGR numbers.

(3) Phone Verification

Access Semi-Public

Method Phone

You can call the HMRC Excise Helpline at 0300 200 3700. If you provide the GBWK and GB00 numbers, they can confirm if the registrations are "Live".

You can request these numbers directly from the warehouse. They are also visible on all their addressed HMRC Letters and Registration Certificates.