Delhi amends rules on industrial alcohol, sacramental wine

Delhi has amended its excise framework with the Finance Department announcing key changes to the Delhi Excise Rules, 2010, aimed at strengthening oversight of industrial alcohol and clarifying provisions for sacramental wine. The revised rules will come into force once they are notified in the official gazette, offering a clearer compliance roadmap for stakeholders.

A major amendment relates to Form P-6, which now caps the total quantity of special denatured spirit sold for industrial use at 15,000 kilolitres at any given time, in accordance with Rule 33. In addition, a special condition specifies that the annual authorised possession for permit holders shall also not exceed 15,000 kilolitres. These measures are intended to prevent overstocking, improve accountability and reduce the risk of diversion or misuse of industrial alcohol.

Another significant change concerns Rule 20 and the special permissions granted for sacramental wine. The revised provision allows the Bishop of Delhi to purchase, import, transport and possess duty-free sacramental wine annually up to 4,000 litres, either through one or multiple permits, from an authorised distillery anywhere in India, subject to approval by the Excise Commissioner. This marks a substantial increase from the earlier limit of 91 litres, recognising the bona fide requirements of church use. Once notified, the amendments will be legally binding, reinforcing regulatory clarity in Delhi’s excise regime.