Due diligence policy

Last updated 20 September 2026

Drinks21 Ltd is a UK drinks wholesaler importing, exporting and distributing a global range of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks brands. We are committed to trading responsibly, in full compliance with UK law, and to ensuring our supply chains are free from fraud, duty evasion and financial crime.

In short: we only supply AWRS-registered trade customers, we verify every new account before it opens, we buy from brand owners and their official distributors, and we report anything suspicious to HMRC or the National Crime Agency.

Our commitments

Compliance

AWRS-registered wholesaler (URN XGAW00000101752)
Full compliance with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 obligations observed
HMRC excise duty fraud risk assessments maintained and reviewed annually

Customer standards

We only supply AWRS-registered trade customers in the UK, and equivalently licensed businesses overseas
All new accounts are subject to identity and licence verification
VAT, Companies House and AWRS checks are completed on all customers
Annual account reviews are conducted as standard

What we require from our customers

Before opening a trade account, Drinks21 requires all customers to provide:

Proof of business registration (Companies House number or equivalent)
Valid AWRS registration number (UK customers)
VAT registration number, where applicable
Copy of the relevant premises, wholesale or retail licence
Photo ID for the account signatory

Drinks21 reserves the right to decline or suspend any account where documentation cannot be provided or where concerns arise regarding a customer's trading activity.

Our supply chain

Drinks21 sources primarily from brand manufacturers and their official distributors, minimising the risk of counterfeit or improperly duty-paid goods entering our supply chain. All duty-suspended goods are held in HMRC-approved or EU-authorised bonded warehouses. We do not accept cash payments from any customer or supplier.

Reporting and transparency

Drinks21 maintains a designated Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) and will file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) with the National Crime Agency where required. We will report to HMRC any concerns regarding potential excise duty fraud or VAT evasion within our supply chain. All due diligence records are retained for a minimum of five years.

Our full Due Diligence Policy is available to customers, suppliers and regulators on request. Contact sales@drinks21.com or write to Drinks21 Ltd, 9 Queen's Square, Ascot Business Park, Ascot, SL5 9FE, United Kingdom.