CA Bus & Prof Code Section 23104.3

A retail licensee may make a return of distilled spirits to the wholesaler, rectifier or manufacturer from whom he purchased the distilled spirits or to the successor of such wholesaler, rectifier or manufacturer, or in the event that such wholesaler, rectifier or manufacturer has ceased carrying on a business licensed under this division and there is no successor to such business, the return may be made to some other wholesaler, rectifier or manufacturer after the retail licensee has obtained from the department approval to make such return. A retail licensee may exchange a package of distilled spirits for a similar package of the same brand with any manufacturer, rectifier or wholesaler whether or not the retail licensee had purchased the package from the manufacturer, rectifier or wholesaler with whom he is exchanging it for a similar package of the same brand.