Collapse to view only § 24.81 - Filing of formulas.
Authorities
- SECTION § 24.19 - Delegations of the Administrator.
- SECTION § 24.20 - Forms prescribed.
- SECTION § 24.21 - Modified forms.
- SECTION § 24.22 - Alternate method or procedure.
- SECTION § 24.25 - Emergency variations from requirements.
- SECTION § 24.26 - Authority to approve.
- SECTION § 24.27 - Segregation of operations.
- SECTION § 24.28 - Installation of meters, tanks, and other apparatus.
- SECTION § 24.29 - Claims.
- SECTION § 24.30 - Supervision.
- SECTION § 24.31 - Submission of forms and reports.
- SECTION § 24.32 - Records.
- SECTION § 24.35 - Right of entry and examination.
- SECTION § 24.36 - Instruments and measuring devices.
- SECTION § 24.37 - Samples for the United States.
Facilities and Assistance
Employer Identification Number
Dealer Registration and Recordkeeping
Assessments
Claims
Tax Exempt Wine
Formulas
Essences
Conveyance of Wine or Spirits on Wine Premises
Samples
Authorities
§ 24.19 - Delegations of the Administrator.
Most of the regulatory authorities of the Administrator contained in this part are delegated to appropriate TTB officers. These TTB officers are specified in TTB Order 1135.24, Delegation of the Administrator's Authorities in 27 CFR Part 24, Wine. You may obtain a copy of this order by accessing the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
§ 24.20 - Forms prescribed.
(a) The appropriate TTB officer is authorized to prescribe all forms required by this part. All of the information called for in each form will be furnished as indicated by the headings on the form and the instructions on or pertaining to the form and as required by this part. The form will be filed in accordance with the instructions for the form.
(b) Forms prescribed by this part are available for printing through the TTB Web site (http://www.ttb.gov) or by mailing a request to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, National Revenue Center, 550 Main Street, Room 1516, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
§ 24.21 - Modified forms.
(a) General. The appropriate TTB officer may approve the use of a modified form in lieu of the prescribed form required by this part, when in the judgment of the appropriate TTB officer:
(1) Good cause has been shown for the use of the modified form and
(2) The use of the modified form will not result in a net increase in cost to the Government or hinder the effective administration of this part.
Except to adapt tax returns for use with data processing equipment, no proposal for modification of a prescribed form relating to qualification, to the giving of any bond, or to the assessment, payment, or collection of tax will be approved under this section.(b) Application. The proprietor who desires to modify a prescribed form shall submit a written application to the appropriate TTB officer. The application will state the reasons a modified form is necessary and be accompanied by a copy of the proposed form with typical entries.
(c) Conditions. A modified form may not be used until the application has been approved by the appropriate TTB officer. Authorization for the use of a modified form is conditioned on compliance with the procedures, conditions, and limitations specified in the approval of the application. The use of a modified form does not relieve the proprietor from any requirement of this part. Authority for use of a modified form may be withdrawn whenever in the judgment of the appropriate TTB officer the effective administration of this part is hindered by the continuation of the authority.
§ 24.22 - Alternate method or procedure.
(a) General. The proprietor, on specific approval of the appropriate TTB officer as provided in this section, may use an alternate method or procedure in lieu of a method or procedure specifically prescribed in this part. As used in this section, an alternate method or procedure also includes alternate construction or equipment. No alternate method or procedure relating to the giving of any bond or to the assessment, payment, or collection of tax, will be authorized under this section. The appropriate TTB officer may approve an alternate method or procedure, subject to stated conditions, when in the judgment of the appropriate TTB officer:
(1) Good cause has been shown for the use of the alternate method or procedure;
(2) The alternate method or procedure is within the purpose of, and consistent with the effect intended by, the specifically prescribed method or procedure, and affords equivalent security to the revenue; and
(3) The alternate method or procedure will not be contrary to any provision of law, will not result in an increase in cost to the Government, and will not hinder the effective administration of this part.
(b) Application. The proprietor who desires to employ an alternate method or procedure shall submit a written application to the appropriate TTB officer. The application will specifically describe the proposed alternate method or procedure, and will set forth the reasons therefor. Alternate methods or procedures will not be employed until the application is approved by the appropriate TTB officer.
(c) Conditions. The proprietor shall, during the period of authorization for an alternate method or procedure, comply with the terms of the approved application. Authorization for any alternate method or procedure may be withdrawn whenever in the judgment of the appropriate TTB officer the revenue is jeopardized or the effective administration of this part is hindered by the continuation of the authorization.
§ 24.25 - Emergency variations from requirements.
(a) General. The appropriate TTB officer may approve construction, equipment, and methods of operation other than as specified in this part, when in the judgment of such officer an emergency exists, the proposed variations from the specified requirements are necessary, and the proposed variations:
(1) Will afford the security and protection to the revenue intended by the prescribed specifications;
(2) Will not hinder the effective administration of this part; and
(3) Will not be contrary to any provisions of law.
(b) Application. The proprietor must submit a written application to the appropriate TTB officer within 24 hours of any temporary approval granted under paragraph (c) of this section, which describes the proposed variation, and sets forth the reasons therefor.
(c) Temporary approval. The proprietor who desires to employ an emergency variation from requirements must contact the appropriate TTB officer and request temporary approval until the written application, required by paragraph (b) of this section, is acted upon. The appropriate TTB officer will be a subordinate of the TTB officer designated in paragraph (a) of this section. Where the emergency threatens life or property, the proprietor may take immediate action to correct the situation without prior notification; however, the proprietor must promptly contact the appropriate TTB officer and file with that officer a report concerning the emergency and the action taken to correct the situation.
(d) Conditions. The proprietor must, during the period of variation from requirements granted under this section, comply with the terms of the approved application. A failure to comply in good faith with any procedures, conditions, and limitations will automatically terminate the authority for a variation. Upon termination of the variation, the proprietor must fully comply with requirements of regulations for which the variation was authorized. Authority for any variation may be withdrawn whenever in the judgment of the appropriate TTB officer the revenue is jeopardized or the effective administration of this part is hindered by the continuation of the variation.
§ 24.26 - Authority to approve.
The appropriate TTB officer is authorized to approve, except as otherwise provided in this part, all applications, bonds, consents of surety, qualifying documents, claims, and any other documents required by or filed under this part, whether for original establishment, for changes subsequent to establishment, for discontinuance of business, for remission, abatement, credit, or refund of tax, or for any other purpose.
§ 24.27 - Segregation of operations.
The appropriate TTB officer may require the proprietor to segregate operations within any wine premises established under this part, by partitions or otherwise, to the extent deemed necessary to prevent jeopardy to the revenue, to prevent confusion between operations, to prevent substitution with respect to the several methods of producing effervescent wine, and to prevent the commingling of standard wine with other than standard wine.
§ 24.28 - Installation of meters, tanks, and other apparatus.
The appropriate TTB officer may require the proprietor to install meters, tanks, pipes, or any other apparatus for the purpose of protecting the revenue. Any proprietor refusing or neglecting to install a required apparatus will not be permitted to conduct business.
§ 24.29 - Claims.
The appropriate TTB officer may require the proprietor or other person liable for the tax on wine or spirits to file a claim and to submit evidence of loss in any case where wine or spirits are lost or destroyed.
§ 24.30 - Supervision.
The appropriate TTB officer may require that operations on wine premises be supervised by any number of appropriate TTB officers necessary for the protection of the revenue or for the enforcement of 26 U.S.C. chapter 51 and applicable regulations.
§ 24.31 - Submission of forms and reports.
The appropriate TTB officer may require the proprietor to submit to an appropriate TTB officer copies of prescribed transaction forms, records, reports, or source records used to prepare records, reports or tax returns.
§ 24.32 - Records.
The appropriate TTB officer may require the proprietor to maintain any record required by this part in a prescribed format or arrangement or otherwise change the method of recordkeeping in any case where the required information is not clearly or accurately reflected.
§ 24.35 - Right of entry and examination.
Under 26 U.S.C. 7601, 7602, and 7606, appropriate TTB officers have authority to inspect during normal business hours the records, stocks, and wine premises (including any portion designated as a bonded wine warehouse) of the proprietor to determine compliance with all provisions of the internal revenue laws and regulations. In addition, for the purposes prescribed in 27 CFR 70.22, appropriate TTB officers may examine financial records, books of account, and any other books, papers, records, and data relevant to an inquiry. Any denial or interference with any inspection by the proprietor, or by agents or employees of the proprietor, is a violation of 26 U.S.C. 7342 and may be subject to an appropriate penalty. (August 16, 1954, Ch. 736, 68A Stat. 872, as amended, 901, as amended, 903, as amended (26 U.S.C. 5560, 7342, 7601, 7602, 7606))
§ 24.36 - Instruments and measuring devices.
All instruments and measuring devices required by this part to be furnished by the proprietor for the purpose of testing and measuring wine, spirits, volatile fruit-flavor concentrate, and materials will be maintained by the proprietor in accurate and readily usable condition. The appropriate TTB officer may disapprove the use of any equipment or means of measurement found to be unsuitable for the intended purpose, inaccurate, or not in accordance with regulations. In this case, the proprietor shall promptly provide suitable and accurate equipment or measuring devices. (Sec. 201, Pub. L. 85-859, 72 Stat. 1379, as amended, 1381, as amended (26 U.S.C. 5357, 5366, 5368, 5552))
§ 24.37 - Samples for the United States.
Appropriate TTB officers are authorized to take samples of wine, spirits, volatile fruit-flavor concentrate, or any other material which may be added to wine products, for analysis, testing, etc., free of tax to determine compliance with the provisions of law and regulation.
Facilities and Assistance
§ 24.40 - Gauging and measuring.
Appropriate TTB officers may require the proprietor to furnish the necessary facilities and assistance to gauge or measure wine or spirits in any container or to examine any apparatus, equipment, container, or material on wine premises.
§ 24.41 - Office facilities.
The appropriate TTB officer may require the proprietor to furnish temporarily a suitable work area, desk and equipment necessary for the use of appropriate TTB officers in performing Government duties whether or not such office space is located at the specific premises where regulated operations occur or at corporate business offices where no regulated activity occurs. Such office facilities will be subject to approval by the appropriate TTB officer.
Employer Identification Number
§ 24.45 - Use on returns.
The employer identification number (as defined at 26 CFR 301.7701-12) of the taxpayer who has been assigned such a number will be shown on each return filed pursuant to the provisions of this part, including amended returns. Failure of the taxpayer to include the employer identification number on any return filed pursuant to the provisions of this part may result in the assertion and collection of the penalty prescribed in 27 CFR 70.113 of this chapter. (Pub. L. 87-397, 75 Stat. 828, as amended (26 U.S.C. 6109, 6676))
§ 24.46 - Application.
(a) An employer identification number will be assigned pursuant to application on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form SS-4 filed by the taxpayer. IRS Form SS-4 may be obtained from the director of the service center or from any district director.
(b) An application on IRS Form SS-4 will be made by the taxpayer who, prior to filing the first return, has neither secured nor made application for an employer identification number. An application on IRS Form SS-4 will be filed on or before the seventh day after the date on which the first return is filed.
(c) Each taxpayer shall make application for and be assigned only one employer identification number, regardless of the number of places of business for which the taxpayer is required to file a tax return under the provisions of this part. (Pub. L. 87-397, 75 Stat. 828, as amended (26 U.S.C. 6109))
§ 24.47 - Execution of IRS Form SS-4.
(a) Preparation. The application on IRS Form SS-4, together with any supplementary statement, will be prepared in accordance with the form instructions and applicable regulations. The application will be filed with the director of the internal revenue service center as instructed on the Form SS-4.
(b) Signature. The application will be signed by:
(1) The individual, if the taxpayer is an individual; or,
(2) The president, vice president, other principal officer, or other person authorized to sign, if the taxpayer is a corporation; or,
(3) A responsible and duly authorized member or officer having knowledge of its affairs, if the taxpayer is a partnership or other unincorporated organization; or,
(4) The fiduciary, if the taxpayer is a trust or estate. (Pub. L. 87-397, 75 Stat. 828, as amended (26 U.S.C. 6109))
Dealer Registration and Recordkeeping
§ 24.50 - [Reserved]
§ 24.51 - Definitions.
For purposes of §§ 24.52 through 24.54 of this part, the following terms have the meanings indicated:
Dealer. A person who sells, or offers for sale, any alcohol product (distilled spirits, wines, and/or beer) fit for beverage use.
Retail dealer in liquors. A dealer who sells, or offers for sale, distilled spirits, wines, or beer to any person other than a dealer.
Wholesale dealer in liquors. A dealer who sells, or offers for sale, distilled spirits, wines, or beer to another dealer.
§ 24.52 - Dealer registration.
Every proprietor who sells or offers for sale any alcohol product (distilled spirits, wines, or beer) fit for beverage use must register as a dealer in accordance with part 31 of this chapter. However, the proprietor's application to establish and operate a bonded wine premises or taxpaid wine bottling house filed under subpart D of this part, and approval of that application by the appropriate TTB officer, will constitute the proprietor's registration as a dealer at the approved bonded or taxpaid wine premises. Every proprietor registered as a dealer under this section will be classified as a wholesale dealer in liquors (see § 31.32 of this chapter) and as such may also operate as a retail dealer in liquors without additional registration. Registration covers all sales from the same location, including sales of spirits, beer, or other proprietors' wine. As provided in § 31.52 of this chapter, the proprietor is subject to no additional registration for making sales of wine or beer at the customer's place of business. Otherwise, a proprietor who conducts business as a dealer at a location other than the bonded wine premises or taxpaid wine bottling house must register and keep records in accordance with part 31 of this chapter.
§ 24.53 - Amending the dealer registration.
Every proprietor registered as a dealer under § 24.52 must maintain a current and accurate application file under subpart D of this part. Whenever there is a change to any of the information provided in the proprietor's approved application, the proprietor must amend the application within the time period specified in subpart D of this part. An amendment of the proprietor's wine premises approved application will also amend the proprietor's dealer registration under § 24.52. The proprietor's dealer registration will also terminate when wine operations authorized under this part terminate.
§ 24.54 - Dealer records.
Every dealer is required to maintain records of transactions. Wine transactions that appear in the records required by subpart O of this part will meet the proprietor's recordkeeping requirements as a dealer. For other transactions not covered in the wine premises records, such as retail sales of distilled spirits or beer in a restaurant at the wine premises, or operations as a wholesale dealer in distilled spirits or beer, the proprietor must keep the records specified for dealers in part 31 of this chapter.
Assessments
§ 24.60 - General.
Where the appropriate TTB officer determines by examination of records, inventories, or otherwise that the proprietor has incurred liability for the tax on wine, distilled spirits, or special (occupational) tax, and the proprietor does not pay the tax upon notification of the liability, the tax will be assessed.
§ 24.61 - Assessment of tax.
When wine or spirits in bond are lost or destroyed (except wine or spirits on which the tax is not collectible by reason of the provisions of 26 U.S.C. 5008 or 26 U.S.C. 5370, as applicable) and the proprietor or other person liable for the tax on the wine or spirits fails to file a claim when required pursuant to § 24.29 or when the claim is denied, the tax will be assessed. In any case where wine is produced, imported, or received otherwise than as authorized by law, or where wine or spirits are removed, possessed, or knowingly used in violation of applicable law, or volatile fruit-flavor concentrate is sold, transported, or used in violation of law, the tax will be assessed.
§ 24.62 - Notice.
If an investigation or an examination of records discloses that liability for the tax on wine or distilled spirits, or special (occupational) tax has been incurred by the proprietor, the appropriate TTB officer will notify the proprietor by letter of the basis and the amount of the proposed assessment in order to afford the proprietor an opportunity to submit a protest, with supporting evidence, within 45 days, or to request a conference with regard to the tax liability. However, if collection of the tax liability may be jeopardized by a delay, the appropriate TTB officer may take immediate jeopardy assessment action pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 6861.
Claims
§ 24.65 - Claims for wine or spirits lost or destroyed in bond.
(a) Claim for remission of tax on spirits. All claims for remission of tax required by this part, relating to the loss or destruction of spirits in bond, will be filed with the appropriate TTB officer within 30 days of discovery of the loss. A claim filed under this paragraph will set forth the following information:
(1) The name, registry number, and location of the distilled spirits plant which produced the spirits;
(2) The serial numbers of the containers from which the spirits were lost, the quantity lost from each, and the total quantity of spirits covered by the claim;
(3) The total amount of tax for which claim is filed;
(4) The date of the loss or destruction (or, if not known, the date of discovery);
(5) The nature and cause (if known) of the loss will be stated specifically and in sufficient detail to disclose all material facts and circumstances surrounding the loss;
(6) If lost in transit, the name of the carrier and the points between which shipped; and
(7) If lost by theft, evidence establishing that the loss did not occur as the result of negligence, connivance, collusion, or fraud on the part of the proprietor, owner, consignor, consignee, bailee or carrier, or the agents or employees of any of them.
(b) Claim for allowance of loss on wine. A claim for allowance of loss required by this part, relating to the loss or destruction of wine in bond, will be filed with the appropriate TTB officer. A claim for allowance of loss for wine lost in transit, by fire or other casualty, or any other extraordinary or unusual losses, including a loss by theft, will be filed immediately. Any other claim for allowance of loss will be attached to and submitted with the TTB F 5120.17, Report of Bonded Wine Premises Operations, for the reporting period in which the inventory required by § 24.313 is taken or, in the case of discontinuance of the premises or change in proprietorship, to the final report filed. A claim filed under this paragraph will set forth the information required by paragraphs (a)(5) to (a)(7) of this section and, in addition, will set forth the following information:
(1) The original volume of wine which sustained the loss, the tax class, the quantity of wine lost, and the percentage of wine lost;
(2) Where the claim covers losses sustained at bonded wine premises during the tax year, the claimant shall state:
(i) The quantities of wine on hand at the beginning of the tax year, received in bond during the tax year, and produced during the tax year;
(ii) Where the percentage of loss is calculated separately by tax class, the volume of wine by tax class; and
(iii) If effervescent wine is produced, the volume of wine produced by fermentation in bottles, by artificial carbonation, and by bulk processing; and
(3) Claims covering losses of wine during transit in bond will show the volume lost from each container, the serial number, if any, and the volume shipped.
(c) Claim for abatement, credit or refund. A claim for an abatement of an assessment under § 24.61, or credit or refund of tax which has been paid or determined, will be filed with the appropriate TTB officer in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph and the provisions of 27 CFR part 70, subpart F. A claim filed under this paragraph with respect to spirits, wine, or volatile fruit-flavor concentrate, will set forth the applicable information required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. In addition, any claim filed under this paragraph will set forth the following information:
(1) The date of the assessment for which abatement is claimed; and
(2) The name, registry number, and address of the premises where the tax was assessed (or name, address, and title of any other person who was assessed the tax, if the tax was not assessed against the proprietor).
(d) Indemnification or recompense. A claim filed under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section will specify whether the claimant has been or will be indemnified or recompensed for the spirits or wine lost and, if so, the amount and nature of indemnity or recompense and the actual value of the spirits or wine, less the tax.
(e) Supporting documents. A claim filed under paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section will be supported by affidavits of persons having personal knowledge of the loss or destruction. In addition, if filed for tax on wine or spirits lost in transit, the claim will be supported by a copy of the carrier's bill of lading.
§ 24.66 - Claims on wine returned to bond.
(a) General. A claim for credit or refund, or relief from liability, of tax on wine returned to bonded wine premises will be filed with the appropriate TTB officer within six months after the date of the return of the wine to bond. A single claim may not be filed under this section for a quantity on which credit or refund of tax would be in an amount less than $25. This limitation does not apply with respect to any returned wine on which the six month period for filing a claim will expire.
(b) Filing. A claim filed under this section will set forth the following information:
(1) The kind, volume, and tax class of the wine;
(2) As to each tax class, the amount of tax previously paid or determined; and
(3) The date the wine was returned to bond.
(c) Indemnification or recompense. A claim filed under this section will specify whether the claimant has been or will be indemnified or recompensed for the wine returned to bond and if so, the amount and nature of indemnity or recompense and the actual value of the wine, less the tax.
§ 24.67 - Other claims.
The requirements with respect to a claim for:
(a) Remission of tax on wine withdrawn without payment of tax under the provisions of § 24.292, and lost in transit to the port of export, vessel or aircraft, foreign-trade zone, customs bonded warehouse, or manufacturing bonded warehouse, as applicable, are contained in 27 CFR part 28.
(b) Refund or credit of any tax imposed on wine or other liquors by 26 U.S.C. chapter 51, part I, subchapter A, on the grounds that an amount of tax was assessed or collected erroneously, illegally, without authority, or in any manner wrongfully, or on the grounds that the amount was excessive, are contained in 27 CFR part 70 subpart F.
(c) Payment of an amount equal to the internal revenue tax paid or determined and customs duties paid on wines or other liquors previously withdrawn, which are lost, rendered unmarketable, or condemned by a duly authorized official as a result of
(1) A major disaster,
(2) Fire, flood, casualty, or other disaster, or
(3) Breakage, destruction, or damage (excluding theft) resulting from vandalism or malicious mischief, are found in 27 CFR part 70, subpart G.
§ 24.68 - Insurance coverage.
The remission, abatement, refund, credit, or other relief, of taxes on wine or spirits provided for under this part will be allowed only to the extent that the claimant is not indemnified or recompensed for such tax by any valid claim of insurance or otherwise.
§ 24.69 - Filing of claims.
(a) Claims. All claims filed under this part for abatement, refund, credit, or remission of tax will be filed on TTB F 5620.8 (2635). Each claim filed under this part will:
(1) Show the name, address, and title of the claimant;
(2) Be signed by the claimant or the duly authorized agent of the claimant; and
(3) Be executed under the penalties of perjury.
(b) Supporting documents. Forms, supporting statements, and any other documents required by this part to be submitted with a claim will be attached to the claim and be considered a part of the claim. The appropriate TTB officer may require the submission of additional evidence in support of any claim filed under this part.
§ 24.70 - Claims for credit of tax.
Claims for credit of tax, as provided in this part, may be filed after determination of the tax whether or not the tax has been paid. Where a claim for credit of tax is filed, the claimant shall, upon receipt of notification of allowance of credit from the appropriate TTB officer, make an adjusting entry on the next tax return (or returns) to the extent necessary to exhaust the credit. The claimant shall also make an explanatory statement on each tax return specifically identifying the notification of allowance of credit. The claimant may not anticipate allowance of a credit or make an adjusting entry in a tax return until TTB has acted on the claim.
Tax Exempt Wine
§ 24.75 - Wine for personal or family use.
(a) General. Any adult may, without payment of tax, produce wine for personal or family use and not for sale.
(b) Quantity. The aggregate amount of wine that may be produced exempt from tax with respect to any household may not exceed:
(1) 200 gallons per calendar year for a household in which two or more adults reside, or
(2) 100 gallons per calendar year if there is only one adult residing in the household.
(c) Definition of an adult. For the purposes of this section, an adult is any individual who is 18 years of age or older. However, if the locality in which the household is located has established by law a greater minimum age at which wine may be sold to individuals, the term “adult” will mean an individual who has attained that age.
(d) Proprietors of bonded wine premises. Any adult, defined in § 24.75(c), who operates a bonded wine premises as an individual owner or in partnership with others, may produce wine and remove it from the bonded wine premises free of tax for personal or family use, subject to the limitations in § 24.75(b).
(e) Limitation. This exemption should not in any manner be construed as authorizing the production of wine in violation of applicable State or local law. Except as provided in § 24.75(d), this exemption does not otherwise apply to partnerships, corporations, or associations.
(f) Removal. Wine produced under this section may be removed from the premises where made for personal or family use including use at organized affairs, exhibitions or competitions, such as home winemaker's contests, tastings or judgings, but may not under any circumstances be sold or offered for sale. The proprietor of a bonded wine premises shall pay the tax on any wine removed for personal or family use in excess of the limitations provided in this section and shall also enter all quantities removed for personal or family use on TTB F 5120.17, Report of Bonded Wine Premises Operations.
§ 24.76 - Tax exempt cider.
Cider, when produced solely from the noneffervescent fermentation of apple juice without the use of any preservative method or material, and when produced at a place other than a bonded wine premises and sold or offered for sale as cider, and not as wine or as a substitute for wine, is not subject to the tax on wine, or to the provisions of this part.
§ 24.77 - Experimental wine.
(a) General. Any scientific university, college of learning, or institution of scientific research may, without payment of tax, produce, receive, blend, treat, and store wine for experimental or research use, but not for consumption (other than organoleptic tests) or sale, and may receive wine spirits without payment of tax in quantities as may be necessary for the production of wine.
(b) Qualification. An institution that wants to conduct experimental wine operations must apply in letter form to the appropriate TTB officer. The application will show the name and address of the institution, the nature, extent, and purpose of the operations to be conducted, describe the operations and equipment and the location at which operations will be conducted (including identification of the building or buildings, or portions thereof, to be used), and the security measures to be provided. If wine spirits are to be used, that fact will be stated together with the estimated annual requirements in proof gallons. A secure place of storage under lock will be provided for such spirits and will be described in the application. The applicant must, when required by the appropriate TTB officer, furnish as part of the application, additional information that may be necessary to determine whether the application should be approved. Operations may not begin until authorized by the appropriate TTB officer.
(c) Procurement of spirits. Where the approved application provides for the use of wine spirits in experimental wine operations, such spirits may be procured to the extent stated in the approved qualifying application. However, an application will be filed with the appropriate TTB officer and authorization obtained for each wine spirits procurement.
(d) Records. All approved qualifying documents and applications will be retained in the files of the institution and will be exhibited on request to appropriate TTB officers. No reports concerning wine or wine spirits need be filed unless required by appropriate TTB officer, but records appropriate to the experiments to be conducted and records documenting the disposition of the wine and wine spirits will be retained and will be made available for inspection by appropriate TTB officers. If wine spirits are used, the records will show the quantities of spirits received and used each day.
(e) Discontinuance. When an institution discontinues experimental wine operations, all remaining wine or wine spirits will be disposed of either by destruction or shipment to premises authorized to receive wine or wine spirits. A letter application will be filed with the appropriate TTB officer and authorization obtained prior to the destruction or shipment of the wine or wine spirits. When the authorized destruction or shipment has been completed, a letter notification will be sent to the appropriate TTB officer.
Formulas
§ 24.80 - General.
The proprietor shall, before production, obtain approval of the formula and process by which special natural wine, agricultural wine, and other than standard wine (except distilling material or vinegar stock) are to be made. The formula must be prepared and filed on TTB F 5120.29, Formula and Process for Wine, in accordance with the instructions on the form. A nonbeverage wine formula will show the intended use of the finished wine or wine product. Any formula approved under this section will remain in effect until revoked, superseded, or voluntarily surrendered. Except for research, development, and testing, no special natural wine, agricultural wine, or, if required to be covered by an approved formula, wine other than standard wine may be produced prior to approval by the appropriate TTB officer of a formula covering each ingredient and process (if the process requires approval) used in the production of the product.
§ 24.81 - Filing of formulas.
The proprietor shall on each formula filed designate all ingredients and, if required, describe each process used to produce the wine. The addition or elimination of ingredients, changes in quantities used, and changes in the process of production, or any other change in an approved formula, will require the filing of a new TTB F 5120.29. After a change in formula is approved, the original formula must be surrendered to the appropriate TTB officer. The proprietor shall serially number each formula, commencing with “1” and continuing thereafter in numerical sequence. Nonbeverage wine formulas will be prefixed with the symbol “NB.” The appropriate TTB officer may at any time require the proprietor to file a statement of process in addition to that required by the TTB F 5120.29 or any other data to determine whether the formula should be approved or the approval continued.
§ 24.82 - Samples.
Except for vinegar and salted wine as defined in § 24.215, the proprietor shall submit under separate cover at the time of filing any nonbeverage wine formula a 750 mL sample of the base wine used and a 750 mL sample of the finished wine or wine product. The latter sample will be considered representative of the finished product. Any material change in the flavor or other characteristics of the finished product from that of the approved sample will require the filing of a new formula even though the ingredients may be the same. In addition, the appropriate TTB officer may, at any time, require the proprietor to submit samples of any wine or wine product made in accordance with an approved formula or of any materials used in production.
Essences
§ 24.85 - Essences.
Essences or extracts (preparations of natural constituents extracted from fruit, herbs, berries, wood, etc.) may be used in the production of any formula wine except agricultural wine. The essences may be produced on wine premises or elsewhere. Where an essence contains spirits, use of the essence may not increase the volume of the wine more than 10 percent nor its alcohol content more than four percent by volume.
§ 24.86 - Essences produced on wine premises.
Wine, taxpaid spirits, or spirits withdrawn tax-free may be used in the production of essences on wine premises. The description of the process for producing the essence may be included as part of a formula for the production of a formula wine or a separate formula may be filed on TTB F5120.29. If a separate formula is filed for the essence, the serial number of the formula by which it is produced will be shown in the TTB F 5120.29 covering the formula wine in which it is to be used. If an essence is to be made in quantities greater than required for individual lots of formula wine, and stored on the premises, a separate formula will be filed for the essence. Essences made on wine premises with wine spirits withdrawn free of tax pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5214(a)(5) may only be used in the production of a formula wine, and may not be removed from the premises where made. Essences made on wine premises with the use of tax-free spirits withdrawn free of tax pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 5214(a)(13) may only be used in the production of a nonbeverage wine or wine product and may not be removed from the premises where made. The TTB F 5120.29 for the production of an essence is filed in the same manner as for the production of formula wine and a sample of the essence produced will be at least four fluid ounces.
§ 24.87 - Essences made elsewhere.
Before an essence not made on wine premises may be used in the production of formula wine, the manufacturer of the essence shall obtain approval from the appropriate TTB officer. The request for approval will identify the essence by name or number and by the name of the manufacturer, and a sample of at least four fluid ounces of the essence will be submitted. However, a request for approval and submission of a sample is not required if the essence is made pursuant to approval of a formula on TTB F 5530.5, Formula and Process for Nonbeverage Product. Essences made under an approved formula on TTB F 5530.5 will be described on TTB F 5120.29 by showing the name of the manufacturer, the manufacturer's nonbeverage drawback formula number, and the date of approval by the appropriate TTB officer.
Conveyance of Wine or Spirits on Wine Premises
§ 24.90 - Taxpaid products.
Taxpaid wine or other taxpaid products may be conveyed across bonded wine premises, but may neither be stored nor allowed to remain on bonded wine premises and will be kept separate from untaxpaid wine or spirits. However, upon payment or determination of the tax, bulk wine may remain on bonded wine premises until the close of the business day following the day the tax was paid or determined, respectively, or the bonded wine premises on which the tank is located may be alternated as taxpaid wine premises.
§ 24.91 - Conveyance of untaxpaid wine or spirits.
Untaxpaid wine or spirits may be conveyed between different portions of the same bonded wine premises. Untaxpaid wine or spirits may also be conveyed by uninterrupted transportation over any public thoroughfare, or over a private roadway if the owner or lessee of the roadway agrees, in writing, to allow appropriate TTB officers access to the roadway to perform their official duty. The conveyance of wine or spirits as authorized in this section is subject to the following conditions:
(a) The untaxpaid wine or spirits are not stored or allowed to remain on any premises other than bonded wine premises;
(b) The untaxpaid wine or spirits are kept completely separate from taxpaid wine or spirits; and
(c) A description of the means and route of conveyance and of the portions of the bonded wine premises between which wine or spirits will be conveyed, as well as a copy of any agreement furnished by the owner or lessee of a private roadway, have been submitted to and approved by the appropriate TTB officer.
§ 24.92 - Products in customs custody.
Products in customs custody may be conveyed across bonded wine premises subject to the following conditions:
(a) The products are not stored or allowed to remain on bonded wine premises beyond the close of the business day; and
(b) The products in customs custody are kept separate from wine and spirits on bonded wine premises.
Samples
§ 24.95 - General.
Wine or wine spirits may be withdrawn free of tax from a bonded wine premises for use by or for the account of the proprietor or the agents of the proprietor, for analysis or testing, organoleptically or otherwise. Wine or wine spirits may be used for testing purposes, and wine may be used for tasting or sampling on bonded wine premises free of tax.
§ 24.96 - Use off premises.
The proprietor may remove samples of wine or wine spirits free of tax for analysis or testing purposes.
(a) Size. The size of each sample may not be more than one liter for each lot of wine or wine spirits to be analyzed or tested unless the appropriate TTB officer authorizes a larger quantity.
(b) Disposition of samples. Remnants or residues of samples remaining after analysis or testing, and which are not retained as specimens, will be destroyed or returned to bonded wine premises. Free of tax samples or residues may not be consumed or sold.
(c) Records. The proprietor shall maintain records of all samples taken for analysis or testing, showing the size of each sample, the kind of wine or wine spirits, date of removal, and the name and address to where sent.
(d) Labeling of samples. Each sample taken for analysis or testing will be labeled “Sample for Analysis Only”. The label will show the name, address, and registry number of the bonded wine premises, date, and the kind of wine or wine spirits.
(e) Limitation. The tax will be collected on any wine or wine spirits withdrawn under this section which are used or disposed of for purposes other than as authorized. When the quantity of wine or wine spirits withdrawn under this section exceeds the amount necessary for the purpose intended the tax will be collected on such excess.
§ 24.97 - Use on premises.
(a) Analysis or testing. The proprietor may take samples of wine or wine spirits free of tax for analysis or testing on bonded wine premises. The proprietor shall maintain records showing the size, kind of wine or wine spirits, date, and disposition of each sample retained as a laboratory specimen. The label of each sample retained as a laboratory specimen will be marked “Sample for Analysis Only” and will show the kind of wine or wine spirits.
(b) Tasting. The proprietor may take samples of wine free of tax for organoleptic tasting on bonded wine premises. If a room or area is set aside for public tasting purposes, a record will be maintained showing the date, quantity and kind of wine transferred to the room or area for tasting.
(c) Limitation. The tax will be collected on any wine or wine spirits withdrawn under this section which are used or disposed of for purposes other than as authorized. When the quantity of wine or wine spirits withdrawn under this section exceeds the amount necessary for the purpose intended the tax will be collected on such excess.