FAQs
Q. What is required for me to purchase SDA alcohols?
A. Specially denatured alcohols (SDA) are permit regulated articles by the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB). Access www.ttb.gov and click on the Other Alcohol tab. Under Information by Topic, click on Industry Guidance. Under Public Information, click on Alcohol and Tobacco Publications for TTB P 5150.3-Information for Specially Denatured Spirits Applications.
Q. What is required for me to purchase Tax-Free Alcohol?
A. Tax-free alcohol does not require payment of $13.50/pg tax in order to use pure ethyl alcohol. Access www.ttb.gov and click on the Other Alcohol tab. Under Information by Topic, click on Industry Guidance. Under Public Information, click on Alcohol and Tobacco Publications for TTB P 5150.4-Information for Tax-Free Alcohol Applications.
Q. What does certain alcohol terminology mean?
A. Like many industries, there is a language unto itself for ethyl alcohol. A good resource can be accessed through www.ttb.gov and click on the Other Alcohol tab. Under Tools & Guides click on the TTB Glossary for information on a variety of terms.
Q. What rules and regulations apply to SDA alcohols and where can they be found?
A. The regulations governing the commerce of denatured ethyl alcohol are part of the CFR's. Access www.ttb.gov and click on the Other Alcohol tab. Under the Information by Topics, click on Denatured Alcohol. Laws and Regulations and Industry Circulars are referenced for your review by clicking on either topic.
Q. What is required to become a DSP (Distilled Spirits Plant)?
A. A DSP permit allows you to purchase and handle pure alcohol under bond until the article is sold as is or used to make another article. Requirements to become a DSP are listed at www.ttb.gov under the Distilled Spirits tab. A variety of topics can be accessed for everything from rules and regulations to making articles from pure alcohol.
Q. What is the main difference between a DSP and an SDA permit holder of industrial alcohol?
A. A DSP allows you to purchase pure alcohol under bond and to either use it internally to make a denatured alcohol and resell it, or to resell pure alcohol. Once the pure alcohol end use is determined and it leaves the bonded premises, the tax liability is determined. As a DSP you are allowed to cut the proof of an alcohol (i.e.-can add water to anhydrous grade to make 190 proof product). If you denature, you must meet applicable formulations allowed by law. As a DSP, you report information on forms to the government. If you hold an SDA permit, you may not deproof product or handle pure alcohol. However you fill out one report form annually instead of monthly reports.