WINE CASE MARKINGS
Proprietors of bonded wine cellars,
and others concerned:
Purpose. This circular is being issued to advise you
that you may use existing stocks of metric wine cases on hand,
or on order, which are not in compliance with 27 CFR 240.562,
as revised by Treasury Decision ATF-26, effective July 1, 1976.
Background. Prior to T.D. ATF-26, section 240.562 required
all wine cases, including cases containing metric bottles, to
be marked with the wine gallonage or with the number and size
of bottles within the case. This section was revised effective
July 1, 1976, to require marking the content in liters, or
the number and size of bottles within the case, on cases con-
taining metric bottles. Since this Treasury decision was pub-
lished on May 28, 1976, and effective July 1, 1976, it appears
likely that many winery proprietors have on hand, or on order,
cases for metric bottles which reflect the wine gallonage and
thus do not comply with revised section 240.562. In these
instances, the Bureau intends to allow proprietors to exhaust
supplies of nonconforming wine cases. You are advised to
order cases conforming to the revised regulations as your
present supply of cases is exhausted. You need not apply to
your regional director for permission to use your existing
supply of cases and no period of time is specified for their
use-up.
Other effects. This circular only applies to metric wine
cases not conforming to revised section 240.562. The amended
recordkeeping and taxpayment procedures outlined in T.D.
ATF-26 for metric wine containers are effective July 1, 1976.
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, D.C. 20226.
Rex D. Davis
Director |