(a) In generalFor purposes of this chapter—(1) Distilled spirits plantThe term “distilled spirits plant” means an establishment which is qualified under subchapter B to perform any distilled spirits operation.
(2) Distilled spirits operationThe term “distilled spirits operation” means any operation for which qualification is required under subchapter B.
(3) Bonded premisesThe term “bonded premises”, when used with respect to distilled spirits, means the premises of a distilled spirits plant, or part thereof, on which distilled spirits operations are authorized to be conducted.
(4) DistillerThe term “distiller” includes any person who—(A) produces distilled spirits from any source or substance,
(B) brews or makes mash, wort, or wash fit for distillation or for the production of distilled spirits (other than the making or using of mash, wort, or wash in the authorized production of wine or beer, or the production of vinegar by fermentation),
(C) by any process separates alcoholic spirits from any fermented substance, or
(D) making or keeping mash, wort, or wash, has a still in his possession or use.
(5) Processor(A) In generalThe term “processor”, when used with respect to distilled spirits, means any person who—(i) manufactures, mixes, or otherwise processes distilled spirits, or
(ii) manufactures any article.
(B) Rectifier, bottler, etc., includedThe term “processor” includes (but is not limited to) a rectifier, bottler, and denaturer.
(6) Certain operations not treated as processingIn applying paragraph (5), there shall not be taken into account—(A) Operations as distillerAny process which is the operation of a distiller.
(B) Mixing of taxpaid spirits for immediate consumptionAny mixing (after determination of tax) of distilled spirits for immediate consumption.
(C) Use by apothecariesAny process performed by an apothecary with respect to distilled spirits which such apothecary uses exclusively in the preparation or making up of medicines unfit for use for beverage purposes.
(7) WarehousemanThe term “warehouseman”, when used with respect to distilled spirits, means any person who stores bulk distilled spirits.
(8) Distilled spiritsThe terms “distilled spirits”, “alcoholic spirits”, and “spirits” mean that substance known as ethyl alcohol, ethanol, or spirits of wine in any form (including all dilutions and mixtures thereof from whatever source or by whatever process produced).
(9) Bulk distilled spiritsThe term “bulk distilled spirits” means distilled spirits in a container having a capacity in excess of 1 wine gallon.
(10) Proof spiritsThe term “proof spirits” means that liquid which contains one-half its volume of ethyl alcohol of a specific gravity of 0.7939 at 60 degrees Fahrenheit (referring to water at 60 degrees Fahrenheit as unity).
(11) Proof gallonThe term “proof gallon” means a United States gallon of proof spirits, or the alcoholic equivalent thereof.
(12) ContainerThe term “container”, when used with respect to distilled spirits, means any receptacle, vessel, or form of package, bottle, tank, or pipeline used, or capable of use, for holding, storing, transferring, or conveying distilled spirits.
(13) Approved containerThe term “approved container”, when used with respect to distilled spirits, means a container the use of which is authorized by regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(14) ArticleUnless another meaning is distinctly expressed or manifestly intended, the term “article” means any substance in the manufacture of which denatured distilled spirits are used.
(15) ExportThe terms “export”, “exported”, and “exportation” include shipments to a possession of the United States.
(b) Cross references(1) For definition of manufacturer of stills, see section 5102.
(2) For definition of dealer, see section 5121(c)(3).
(3) For definitions of wholesale dealers, see section 5121(c).
(4) For definitions of retail dealers, see section 5122(c).
(5) For definitions of general application to this title, see chapter 79.
(Added Pub. L. 85–859, title II, § 201, Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1315; amended Pub. L. 89–44, title VIII, § 807(a), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 164; Pub. L. 94–455, title XIX, § 1906(b)(13)(A), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 1834; Pub. L. 96–39, title VIII, § 805(e), July 26, 1979, 93 Stat. 278; Pub. L. 103–465, title I, § 136(c)(1), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 4841; Pub. L. 109–59, title XI, § 11125(b)(13), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1956.)
Editorial Notes
Prior ProvisionsA prior section 5002, act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 597, consisted of provisions similar to those comprising this section, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.
Provisions similar to those comprising subsec. (a)(6), (9), and (11) of this section were contained in prior sections 5213(a)(1) and 5319(1), (2), and (7), act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 639, 661, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 85–859.
Amendments2005—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 109–59, § 11125(b)(13)(A), substituted “section 5121(c)(3)” for “section 5112(a)”.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 109–59, § 11125(b)(13)(B), substituted “section 5121(c)” for “section 5112”.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 109–59, § 11125(b)(13)(C), substituted “section 5122(c)” for “section 5122”.
1994—Subsec. (b)(1) to (6). Pub. L. 103–465 redesignated pars. (2) to (6) as (1) to (5), respectively, and struck out former par. (1) which provided a cross reference to section 5041(c) of this title for definition of “wine gallon”.
1979—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 96–39 substituted “distilled spirits operation” for “operation, or any combination of operations, for which qualification is required under such subchapter”.
Subsec. (a)(2), (3). Pub. L. 96–39 added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3). Former par. (3), defining “bottling premises”, was struck out.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 96–39 redesignated par. (5) as (4). Former par. (4), defining “bonded warehouseman”, was struck out.
Subsec. (a)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 96–39 added pars. (5) to (7) and redesignated former pars. (5) to (7) as (4), (8), and (10), respectively.
Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 96–39 redesignated former par. (6) as (8). Former par. (8) redesignated (11).
Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 96–39 added par. (9) and redesignated par. (9) as (12).
Subsec. (a)(10) to (15). Pub. L. 96–39 redesignated former pars. (7) to (12) as (10) to (15), respectively.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–39 struck out par. (2) which provided for a cross reference to section 5082 for a definition of rectifier and redesignated pars. (3) to (7) as (2) to (6), respectively.
1976—Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 94–455 struck out “or his delegate” after “Secretary”.
1965—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–44 added par. (12).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2005 AmendmentPub. L. 109–59, title XI, § 11125(c), Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1957, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [see Tables for classification] shall take effect on July 1, 2008, but shall not apply to taxes imposed for periods before such date.”
Effective Date of 1994 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 103–465 effective Jan. 1, 1995, see section 136(d) of Pub. L. 103–465, set out as a note under section 5001 of this title.
Effective Date of 1979 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 96–39 effective Jan. 1, 1980, see section 810 of Pub. L. 96–39, set out as a note under section 5001 of this title.
Effective Date of 1965 AmendmentPub. L. 89–44, title VIII, § 807(c), June 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 164, provided that: “The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 5053 of this title] shall take effect on July 1, 1965.”