RECODIFIED FORMULAS FOR DENATURED ALCOHOL AND RUM

To Denaturers and Users of Denatured Alcohol and Rum

PURPOSE: This circular announces the recodification of regulations containing authorized formulas for denatured alcohol and rum (formerly 27 CFR Part 212 -- now 27 CFR Part 21). The recodified regula- tions were published in the Federal Register on June 2, 1983, with an effective date of July 5, 1983.

DISCUSSION: The recodified regulations contain a number of changes from previous regulations. Among the most important of these is authorization to make and use a new SDA Formula No. 3-C, which utilizes isopropyl alcohol as a denaturant. Another significant change is a new provision permitting denaturation for export in accordance with a formula prescribed by a foreign country (if an application to do so is first approved by ATF). Other changes involve addition or deletion of certain ingredients from certain formulas in accordance with ATF rulings previously approved. (For example, since wood alcohol is no longer commercially available, it is deleted as an authorized denaturant, and four alternatives are prescribed in SDA Formula No. 1, as previously authorized by Revenue Ruling 69-483 and ATF Rulings 74-14 and 79-19). Also, due to changes in industry practices and new discoveries in chemical science, some use codes have been eliminated from some formulas and other use codes have been added. Certain authorities have been delegated from the Director to the Chief, Chemical Branch; specifications for some denaturants have been corrected; and terminology has been appropriately updated. Finally, references to ATF Form 1479-A have been amended to refer to that form's new number (5150.19), but this does not necessitate resubmission of any formulas on that form that are currently approved.

COPIES OF REGULATIONS: Copies of the recodified regulations may be obtained by contacting your regional regulatory administrator.

INQUIRIES: Inquiries concerning this circular should refer to its number and be addressed to the Assistant Director (Regulatory Enforcement), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20226.

Assistant Director

(Regulatory Enforcement)