Third-Party Logistics Companies

Third-party logistics companies interested in providing warehousing and distribution services to Domestic Suppliers and Authorized Agents must hold a Warehousing Authorization under the Warehousing for Open Listings Policy.  

If you are an agent who wishes to use your own warehouse, you will need to apply to for a Warehousing Authorization first and then apply for an Agent authorization next (include the application number in your Agent application).


Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, third-party logistics companies must:

• Operate a warehouse based in Ontario;  

• Hold an Excise Warehouse Licence issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), or for Import beer, a Customs Bonded Warehouse Licence issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA); 

• Have a minimum of  100,000 square feet  (or equivalent storage capactiy) of secure, temperature‑controlled facilities and submit a floorplan for the warehouse; 

• Have the ability to deliver Products to LCBO’s Wholesale Customers (requires access to a delivery fleet and deliver Products in accordance with transportation industry standards);  

• Maintain systems with the ability to accurately track inbound and outbound movement of Product and interface with LCBO applications (if required);  

• Have at least five years’ experience as a logistics company and be supported by an experienced operational team; 

• Attest that they do not hold and are not affiliated with a holder of a Grocery Store or Convenience Store Licence under the LLCA, or a Licence to Operate a Liquor Consumption Premises under the LLCA, and are not affiliated with or do not have a direct or indirect financial interest in any LCBO Wholesale Customer. 

If you have multiple warehouse locations, you may apply for each to be authorized as part of the same application. Each warehouse must meet the above criteria.

Authorized Third-Party Logistics Companies will work with Authorized Agents and/or domestic, out-of-province suppliers to warehouse approved products and deliver orders to wholesale customers.

Program requirements

• Authorized 3PLs are only permitted to warehouse imported product represented by an Authorized Agent and approved by the LCBO, and any domestic product approved by the LCBO.

◦ This does not prohibit an Authorized 3PL from warehousing, fulfillment, or delivery of beverage alcohol for an Ontario manufacturer in accordance with the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 provided that the necessary reporting and controls are in place for LCBO to audit the Products stored under this Policy.

• Authorized 3PLs are permitted to provide services to multiple agents and domestic suppliers.

• LCBO will deliver shipments of approved import product to the designated Warehouse.

• Authorized 3PLs (or Authorized Agents, if applicable) must inspect product immediately upon delivery or pick-up and advise LCBO of any issues (e.g. damaged, missing or defective product).

• Products can only be stored at the warehouse identified in the authorization. Product may only be removed if it is sold to a wholesale customer unless expressly permitted by the LCBO.

• Authorized 3PLs must maintain insurance according to the terms of the Authorization, in the types and amounts required to cover risks associated with the warehousing and delivery of beverage alcohol.

• Authorized 3PLs (and Authorized Agents) must keep records of inbound and outbound movement of inventory and produce the information upon request by the LCBO.

As a steward of Ontario’s open and competitive beverage alcohol marketplace, LCBO reserves the right to decline requests from Authorized Agents and Domestic Suppliers to work with Authorized Third-party Logistics Companies that fulfill more than 30% of all orders under the Supplying Source Program on a rolling-six-month basis.


Applications

If you are eligible and would like to apply to this Program, please follow these steps:

  1. Review the eligibility and program requirements above. 

  2. Apply by completing this application form.

  3. Submit the following documents to lcbo-policy@lcbo.com:

    • A floor plan of the warehouse(s)

    • A copy of your Excise Warehouse Licence(s) and/or your Customs Bonded Warehouse Licence(s)

 

The LCBO will review your application to ensure that it is complete and meets the eligibility requirements and policy conditions. 

If approved, the LCBO will issue an Authorization which must be fully executed before you can participate in warehousing of products for the Open Listings Program.


Contacts

For any questions about the application, please contact lcbo-policy@lcbo.com.