Every person filing a bond under this subpart, or consent of surety on such bond, must file it in accordance with the instructions on the form.

(a) Surety bonds may be given only with corporate sureties holding certificates of authority from, and subject to the limitations prescribed by, the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, as set forth in the current revision of U.S. Treasury Department Circular 570 (Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as Acceptable Reinsuring Companies).

(b) U.S. Treasury Department Circular 570 is published in the Federal Register annually on the first business day in July, and supplemental changes are published periodically thereafter (see https://www.federalregister.gov). The most recent circular and any supplemental changes to it may be viewed on the United States Treasury Department's Bureau of the Fiscal Service website (see https://fiscal.treasury.gov).

Each bond, and each consent to changes in the terms of a bond, shall be accompanied by a power of attorney authorizing the agent or officer who executed the bond or consent to so act on behalf of the surety. The appropriate TTB officer who is authorized to approve the bond may, when he deems it necessary, require additional evidence of the authority of the agent or officer to execute the bond or consent.

The power of attorney shall be prepared on a form provided by the surety company and executed under the corporate seal of the company. If the power of attorney submitted is other than a manually signed original, it shall be accompanied by certification of its validity.

(a) Deposit of securities. In lieu of corporate surety, the principal may pledge and deposit, as surety for his bond, securities which are transferable and are guaranteed as to both interest and principal by the United States, in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR part 225— Acceptance of Bonds Secured by Government Obligations in Lieu of Bonds with Sureties.

(b) Deposit of cash or cash equivalent. In lieu of corporate surety, a person can file a bond that guarantees payment of the liability by submitting cash or its equivalent (including a money order, cashier's check, or personal check). Cash or its equivalent must be no less than the penal sums of the required bonds. Cash equivalents must be payable to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

Consents of surety to changes in the terms of bonds shall be executed on TTB Form 5000.18 by the principal and by the surety with the same formality and proof of authority as is required for the execution of bonds.

The appropriate TTB officer is authorized to approve all bonds and consents of surety filed under this part.

(a) General. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, if any person intends to ship to the United States, distilled spirits products of Puerto Rican manufacture from bonded storage in Puerto Rico on computation, but before payment, of the tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), equal to the tax imposed in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5001(a)(1), the person must, before making any such shipment, furnish a bond. The person must furnish a bond on TTB Form 5110.50 for each premises from which shipment will be made, to secure payment of such tax, at the time and in the manner prescribed in this subpart, on all distilled spirits products shipped. The bond must be executed in a penal sum not less than the amount of unpaid tax which, at any one time, is chargeable against the bond. The penal sum of such bond must not exceed $1,000,000, but in no case will the penal sum be less than $1,000.

(b) Blanket bond. Any person who is the proprietor of more than one premises in Puerto Rico from which shipment of spirits to the United States will be made, may, in lieu of furnishing two or more separate bonds on TTB Form 5110.50 as required by paragraph (a) of this section, furnish a blanket bond on TTB Form 5110.50. The penal sum of such blanket bond shall be equal to the sum of the penal sums of all the bonds in lieu of which it is given. Such blanket bond on TTB Form 5110.50 shall show each bonded warehouse and/or bonded processing room and/or rectifying plant to be covered by the bond, and the part of the total penal sum (computed in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section) to be allocated to each of the designated premises. If the penal sum of the bond allocated to a designated premises is in an amount less than the maximum prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section, transactions at such premises shall not exceed the quantity permissible, as reflected by the penal sum allocated in the bond to such premises. Such blanket bond shall contain the terms and conditions of the bonds in lieu of which it is given and shall be conditioned that the total amount of the bond shall be available for satisfaction of any liability incurred under the terms and conditions of such bond.

(c) Bonds covering spirits for nonindustrial use and industrial use—(1) Nonindustrial use. A person who pays tax on a deferred basis under § 26.112 is not required to furnish a bond under this section to cover shipments of distilled spirits for nonindustrial use during any portion of a calendar year for which the person is eligible to use an annual or quarterly return period under § 26.112(b)(2) or (b)(3). For purposes of the preceding sentence, a person is considered to be paying tax on a deferred basis even if the person does not pay tax during every return period as long as the person intends to pay tax in a future period. TTB may require a person who has defaulted on any payment to prepay tax as provided in § 26.112(e).

(2) Industrial use. A person is required to furnish a bond under this section to cover shipments of distilled spirits for industrial use even if the person pays tax on a deferred basis under § 26.112 and is eligible to use an annual or quarterly return period under § 26.112(b)(2) or (b)(3). For bond requirements governing industrial spirits and other products brought into the United States without incurring tax liability, see § 26.36.

(3) Nonindustrial use and industrial use defined. The nonindustrial and industrial uses of distilled spirits are defined in subpart D of part 1 of this chapter.

(a) General. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, where a proprietor intends to withdraw, for purpose of shipment to the United States, wine of Puerto Rican manufacture from bonded storage in Puerto Rico on computation, but before payment, of the tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), equal to the tax imposed in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5041, the proprietor must, before making any such withdrawal, furnish a bond. The proprietor must furnish the bond on TTB Form 5120.32, to secure payment of such tax, at the time and in the manner prescribed in this subpart, on all wine so withdrawn. The bond must be executed in a penal sum not less than the amount of unpaid tax which, at any one time, is chargeable against the bond. The penal sum of such bond must not exceed $250,000, but in no case will the penal sum be less than $500.

(b) Bonds covering wine for nonindustrial use and industrial use—(1) Nonindustrial use. A proprietor who pays tax on a deferred basis under § 26.112 is not required to furnish a bond under this section to cover shipments of wine for nonindustrial use during any portion of a calendar year for which the proprietor is eligible to use an annual or quarterly return period under § 26.112(b)(2) or (b)(3). For purposes of the preceding sentence, the proprietor is considered to be paying tax on a deferred basis even if the proprietor does not pay tax during every return period as long as the proprietor intends to pay tax in a future period. TTB may require a proprietor who has defaulted on any payment to prepay tax as provided in § 26.112(e).

(2) Industrial use. A proprietor is required to furnish a bond under this section to cover shipments of wine for industrial use even if the proprietor pays tax on a deferred basis under § 26.112 and is eligible to use an annual or quarterly return period under § 26.112(b)(2) or (b)(3).

(3) Nonindustrial use and industrial use defined. The nonindustrial and industrial uses of wine are defined in subpart D of part 1 of this chapter.

(a) General. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, where a brewer intends to withdraw, for purpose of shipment to the United States, beer of Puerto Rican manufacture from bonded storage in Puerto Rico on computation, but before payment, of the tax imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), equal to the tax imposed in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5051, the brewer must, before making any such withdrawal, furnish a bond. The brewer must furnish the bond on TTB Form 5130.16, to secure payment of such tax, at the time and in the manner prescribed in this subpart, on all beer so withdrawn. The bond must be executed in a penal sum not less than the amount of unpaid tax which, at any one time, is chargeable against the bond. The penal sum of such bond must not exceed $500,000, but in no case will the penal sum be less than $1,000.

(b) Bond exemption for certain brewers based on tax liability. A brewer who pays tax on a deferred basis under § 26.112 is not required to furnish a bond under this section to cover shipments of beer during any portion of a calendar year for which the brewer is eligible to use an annual or quarterly return period under § 26.112(b)(2) or (b)(3). For purposes of the preceding sentence, the brewer is considered to be paying tax on a deferred basis even if the brewer does not pay tax during every relevant period as long as the brewer intends to pay tax in a future period. TTB may require a brewer who has defaulted on any payment to prepay tax as provided in § 26.112(e).

Every person who files a bond under this subpart shall keep an account of the charges against and credits to the bond if the penal sum of his bond is less than the maximum prescribed in §§ 26.66(a), 26.67, or § 26.68, or if the penal sum allocated to his premises under § 26.66(b) is less than the prescribed maximum. He shall charge the bond with the amount of liability he accepts at the time he executes TTB Form 5110.51 or 5100.21, and shall credit the bond with the amount of the tax paid at the time he files each return, and remittance. The account shall also show the balance available under the bond at any one time.

In all cases where the penal sum of any bond becomes insufficient, the principal shall either give a strengthening bond with the same surety to attain a sufficient penal sum, or give a new bond to cover the entire liability. Strengthening bonds will not be approved where any notation is made thereon which is intended, or which may be construed, as a release of any former bond, or as limiting the amount of any bond to less than its full penal sum. Strengthening bonds shall show the current date of execution and the effective date.

(a) Superseding bonds. Superseding bonds will be required in case of insolvency or removal of any surety, and may, at the discretion of the appropriate TTB officer, be required in any other contingency affecting the validity or impairing the efficiency of an existing bond. Executors, administrators, assignees, receivers, trustees, or other persons acting in a fiduciary capacity, continuing or liquidating the business of the principal, must execute and file a superseding bond or obtain the consent of the surety or sureties on the existing bond or bonds. Where, under the provisions of § 26.72, the surety on any bond given under this subpart has filed an application to be relieved of liability under said bond and the principal desires or intends to continue the operations to which such bond relates, he must file a valid superseding bond to be effective on or before the date specified in the surety's notice. Superseding bonds must show the current date of execution and the effective date.

(b) New bonds for previously exempt persons. If a person has not furnished a bond as provided in this subpart because the person was exempt from bond requirements under §§ 26.66(c), 26.67(b), or 26.68(b), the person must furnish a bond to cover shipments following the first date on which the aggregate amount of tax due from the person during the calendar year exceeds $50,000. If a person has not furnished the required bond for shipments under this subpart, the person must prepay tax on those shipments as provided in § 26.112(e).

Upon approval of an original, a strengthening, or a superseding bond, the appropriate TTB officer shall notify the Secretary, and the revenue agent at the premises, of the total penal sum of the bond or bonds, and in the case of a blanket bond, the amount of the penal sum allocated to the premises.

Any bond given under the provisions of this subpart may be terminated as to future transactions—

(a) Pursuant to application of surety as provided in § 26.72;

(b) On approval of a superseding bond;

(c) On notification by the principal to the appropriate TTB officer that he has discontinued transactions under the bond (including for the reason that the principal is exempt from bond requirements under §§ 26.66(c), 26.67(b), or 26.68(b)); or

(d) On notification by the principal to the appropriate TTB officer that he has discontinued business.

A surety on any bond given under the provisions of this subpart may at any time in writing notify the principal and the appropriate TTB officer that he desires, after a date named, to be relieved of liability under said bond. Such date shall be not less than 10 days after the date the notice is received by the appropriate TTB officer. The surety shall also file with the appropriate TTB officer an acknowledgment or other proof of service on the principal. If such notice is not thereafter in writing withdrawn, the rights of the principal as supported by said bond shall be terminated on the date named in the notice, and the surety shall be relieved from liability to the extent set forth in § 26.73.

Where the surety on a bond given under the provisions of this subpart has filed application for relief from liability, as provided in § 26.72, the surety shall be relieved from liability for transactions occurring wholly subsequent to the date specified in the notice, or the effective date of a new bond, if one is given.

Securities of the United States pledged and deposited as provided in § 26.63(a), will be released only in accordance with the provisions of 31 CFR part 225. Securities and cash (including cash equivalents) will not be released by the appropriate TTB officer until the liability under the bond for which they were pledged has been terminated. When the appropriate TTB officer is satisfied that they may be released, the appropriate TTB officer will fix the date or dates on which a part or all of such securities and cash (including cash equivalents) may be released. At any time prior to the release, the appropriate TTB officer may extend the date of release for such additional length of time as the appropriate TTB officer deems necessary.

When the appropriate TTB officer is satisfied that any bond given under the provisions of this subpart may be terminated, he shall issue TTB Form 5000.23 PR, Notice of Termination of Bond, and shall forward copies to the principal and to the surety. The appropriate TTB officer shall, prior to the termination date, notify the Secretary and the revenue agent of the proposed termination of any bond given under this part and the date of such termination.

Before liquors or articles of Puerto Rican manufacture may be shipped to the United States, an insular permit, TTB Form 5110.51 (for distilled spirits) or TTB Form 5100.21 (for wine or beer), to compute the taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), and to withdraw the products from the bonded establishment where they may be deposited, must be obtained from the Secretary, and such products may not be shipped to the United States until a permit to ship, on TTB Form 5170.7, is applied for and obtained from the Secretary.

(a) Distilled spirits of Puerto Rican manufacture, and any products containing such distilled spirits, brought into the United States and withdrawn for consumption or sale are subject to a tax equal to the tax imposed in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5001.

(b) A credit against the tax imposed on distilled spirits by 26 U.S.C. 7652 is allowable under 26 U.S.C. 5010 on each proof gallon of alcohol derived from eligible wine or from eligible flavors which do not exceed 2 1/2 percent of the finished product on a proof gallon basis. The credit is allowable at the time the tax is payable as if it constituted a reduction in the rate of tax.

(c) Where credit against the tax is desired, the person liable for the tax shall establish an effective tax rate in accordance with § 26.79a. The effective tax rate established will be applied to each withdrawal or other disposition of the distilled spirits for consumption or sale within the United States.

Application for permit to compute the tax on, and to withdraw, distilled spirits shall be made on TTB Form 5110.51, in quintuplicate, by the proprietor. The proprietor shall forward all copies of the form to the Secretary. If the application is properly prepared and is otherwise in order, the Secretary or their delegate shall execute the permit, retain one copy, and forward the original and remaining copies of the form to the revenue agent at the premises where the products are located.

On receipt of permit to compute the tax on TTB Form 5110.51, the revenue agent shall:

(a) In the case of spirits in packages, prepare a gauge record as provided in § 26.164a in quadruplicate, compute the tax thereon, and attach all copies of the gauge record to TTB Form 5110.51;

(b) In the instance of spirits in cases, verify by inspection the quantity of spirits described on the form; or

(c) In the case of spirits in a bulk conveyance, verify by gauge or inspection the quantity of spirits described on the form.

(a) The proprietor shall compute the effective tax rate for distilled spirits containing eligible wine or eligible flavors as the ratio of the numerator and denominator as follows:

(1) the numerator will be the sum of:

(i) The proof gallons of all distilled spirits used in the product (exclusive of distilled spirits derived from eligible flavors), multiplied by the tax rate prescribed by 26 U.S.C. 5001;

(ii) The wine gallons of each eligible wine used in the product, multiplied by the tax rate prescribed by 26 U.S.C. 5041(b) (1), (2), or (3), as applicable; and

(iii) The proof gallons of all distilled spirits derived from eligible flavors used in the product, multiplied by the tax rate prescribed by 26 U.S.C. 5001, but only to the extent that such distilled spirits exceed 2 1/2% of the denominator prescribed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(2) The denominator will be the sum of:

(i) The proof gallons of all distilled spirits used in the product, including distilled spirits derived from eligible flavors; and

(ii) The wine gallons of each eligible wine used in the product, multiplied by twice the percentage of alcohol by volume of each, divided by 100.

(b) In determining the effective tax rate, quantities of distilled spirits, eligible wine, and eligible flavors will be expressed to the nearest tenth of a proof gallon. The effective tax rate may be rounded to as many decimal places as the proprietor deems appropriate, provided that, such rate is expressed no less exactly than the rate rounded to the nearest whole cent, and the effective tax rates for all products will be consistently expressed to the same number of decimal places. In such case, if the number is less than five it will be dropped; if it is five or over, a unit will be added.

(c) The following is an example of the use of the formula.

(a) Action by proprietor. Where the proprietor wishes to defer payment of tax, he must execute an agreement on TTB Form 5110.51 to pay the amount of tax which has been computed and entered on the form. If a bond is required under § 26.66, he must certify, under the penalties of perjury, that he is not in default of any payment of tax chargeable against his bond, and that his bond is in the maximum penal sum, or that it is sufficient to cover the amount of tax on the distilled spirits described on the form in addition to all other amounts chargeable against this bond. If the proprietor deferring payment of tax is not required to provide a bond under § 26.66, the proprietor must certify under the penalties of perjury that the proprietor was liable for not more than $50,000 in taxes in the preceding calendar year, reasonably expects to be liable for not more than $50,000 during the current calendar year, and is not using the TTB Form 5100.21 for any shipment of distilled spirits for industrial use. The proprietor must deliver all copies of TTB Form 5110.51 and any package gauge record as provided in § 26.164a to the revenue agent.

(b) Action by revenue agent. On receipt of TTB Form 5110.51 and any package gauge record, the revenue agent shall verify the computation of the tax entered on the TTB Form 5110.51, and if the proprietor has on file a good and sufficient bond, TTB Form 5110.50, so indicate on TTB Form 5110.51. The revenue agent shall then execute his report of release on the TTB Form 5110.51 and release the spirits for shipment to the United States. He shall distribute TTB Form 5110.51 and any package gauge record according to the instructions of TTB Form 5110.51. Where the revenue agent finds that the proprietor does not have good and sufficient bond coverage, or where the revenue agent has received information that the proprietor is in default of payment of any taxes previously charged to his bond, he shall return all copies of TTB Form 5110.51 and any package gauge record to the proprietor, giving his reasons for such action.

(a) Action by proprietor. Where the distilled spirits are to be released after payment of the computed tax, the proprietor shall enter the amount of such computed tax on all copies of TTB Form 5110.51 and execute the statement that such tax is being prepaid. The proprietor shall then prepare TTB Form 5000.25 in duplicate, and send the original with all copies of TTB Form 5110.51 and any package gauge record as provided in § 26.164a and the remittance in full for the tax, to the appropriate TTB officer.

(b) Action by appropriate TTB officer. On receipt of TTB Forms 5110.51, 5000.25 and any package gauge record, with remittance covering prepayment of tax, the appropriate TTB officer shall execute the receipt on TTB Form 5000.25 and execute the report of prepaid taxes on all copies of TTB Form 5110.51. The appropriate TTB officer shall then retain the originals of TTB Forms 5110.51 and 5000.25 and forward the remaining copies of TTB Form 5110.51 in accordance to the instructions on the form.

(c) Action by revenue agent. On receipt of TTB Form 5110.51 executed by the appropriate TTB officer to show receipt of TTB Form 5000.25 and remittance, the revenue agent shall execute the report of release on the TTB Form 5110.51 and release the spirits for shipment to the United States. The completed TTB Form 5110.51 shall be distributed according to the instructions on the form.

Distilled spirits may not be shipped to the United States until permit for such shipment has been obtained from the Secretary as provided in §§ 26.114 through 26.116.

Where distilled spirits of Puerto Rican manufacture are to be shipped to the United States in containers having a capacity of more than one gallon, the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico require that prior approval for such shipment be obtained from the Secretary.

Where, under the provisions of § 26.86, a person has made application to the Secretary for authority to ship distilled spirits of Puerto Rican manufacture to the United States in containers having a capacity of more than one gallon, they shall, at the same time, submit sworn evidence to the Secretary that the distilled spirits tax has been paid as provided in § 26.81 or deferred as provided in § 26.80, or they shall submit application, TTB Form 5110.51, for permit to pay such taxes, as provided in § 26.78. When satisfied that the shipper has complied with all provisions of this part relating to the payment of taxes on such distilled spirits, the Secretary or their delegate, shall note his approval on both copies of the sworn application, and return one copy to the shipper. On receipt of the approved application, the shipper shall submit application for permit to ship, TTB Form 5170.7, as prescribed in §§ 26.114 through 26.116.

(a) Wine of Puerto Rican manufacture coming into the United States and withdrawn for consumption or sale is subject to a tax equal to the internal revenue tax imposed in the United States on wine by 26 U.S.C. 5041.

(b) The excise taxes collected on wine of Puerto Rican manufacture shall be deposited in the Treasury of Puerto Rico only if the sum of the cost or value of the materials produced in Puerto Rico, plus the direct costs of processing operations performed in Puerto Rico, equals or exceeds 50 percent of the value of the wine when it is brought into the United States.

When wine of Puerto Rican manufacture is to be withdrawn for shipment to the United States, or for use in an article made with wine only or with wine and beer only, for shipment to the United States, application for permit to compute the tax on, and to withdraw, the wine shall be made on TTB Form 5100.21, in quintuplicate, by the proprietor of the bonded premises where the wine is stored. If the withdrawal is to be made in casks, barrels, kegs or similar containers, the proprietor shall enter the name of the winemaker producing the wine, the serial numbers of the packages, the total number of wine gallons contained therein, and the taxable grade of the wine, for example, “not more than 14 percent” if the wine contains not more than 14 percent of alcohol by volume, “14-21 percent” if the wine contains more than 14 percent and not exceeding 21 percent of alcohol by volume, “21-24 percent” if the wine contains more than 21 percent but not exceeding 24 percent of alcohol by volume. If the application covers more than one taxable grade of wine, the quantity in each taxable grade shall be reported separately. If the withdrawal is to consist of bottled wine, the proprietor shall show the number of cases, size of the bottles, the number of bottles per case, the total quantity in wine gallons, and the taxable grade of the wine in the manner stated above. The proprietor shall forward all copies of the form to the Secretary. If the application is properly prepared and is otherwise in order, the Secretary or their delegate shall execute the permit, retain one copy, and return the original and three copies to the proprietor.

On receipt of permit to compute the tax on Form 2900, the proprietor shall compute and enter the amount of the tax on all copies of the form.

(a) Action by proprietor. Where the proprietor wishes to defer payment of tax, he must execute the agreement on TTB Form 5100.21 to pay the amount of tax which has been computed and entered on the form. If a bond is required under § 26.67, he must certify under the penalties of perjury that he is not in default of any payment of tax chargeable against his bond, and that his bond is in the maximum penal sum, or that it is sufficient to cover the amount of tax on the wine described on the form in addition to all other amounts chargeable against his bond. If the proprietor deferring payment of tax is not required to provide a bond under § 26.67, the proprietor must certify under the penalties of perjury that the proprietor was liable for not more than $50,000 in taxes in the preceding calendar year, reasonably expects to be liable for not more than $50,000 during the current calendar year, and is not using the TTB Form 5100.21 for any shipment of wine for industrial use. The proprietor must deliver all copies of TTB Form 5100.21 to the revenue agent.

(b) Action by revenue agent. On receipt of TTB Form 5100.21, the revenue agent shall verify the computation of the tax entered on the form, and if the proprietor has on file a good and sufficient bond, TTB Form 5120.32, so indicate on TTB Form 5100.21. The revenue agent shall then execute his report of release on the TTB Form 5100.21 and release the wine for the purpose authorized on the form. The completed form shall be distributed in the same manner as provided for TTB Form 5110.51 in § 26.80(b). Where the revenue agent finds that the proprietor does not have good and sufficient bond coverage, or that the proprietor is in default of payment of any taxes previously charged to his bond, he shall return all copies of TTB Form 5100.21 to the proprietor, giving his reasons for such action.

(a) Action by proprietor. Where the wine is to be withdrawn from bonded storage after payment of the computed tax, the proprietor shall enter the amount of such computed tax on all copies of TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) and execute the statement that such tax is being prepaid. The proprietor shall then prepare TTB Form 5000.25 in duplicate and send the original with all copies of TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) and the remittance in full for the tax, to the appropriate TTB officer.

(b) Action by appropriate TTB officer. On receipt of TTB Forms 2900 (5100.21) and 5000.25, and remittance covering prepayment of tax, the appropriate TTB officer shall execute the receipt on TTB Form 5000.25 and execute the report of prepaid taxes on all copies of TTB Form 2900 (5100.21). The appropriate TTB officer shall then retain the originals of TTB Forms 2900 (5100.21) and 5000.25 and forward the remaining copies of TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) in accordance with the instructions on the form.

(c) Action by revenue agent. On receipt of TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) executed by the appropriate TTB officer to show receipt of TTB Form 5000.25 and remittance, the revenue agent shall execute the report of release on the TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) and release the wine for the purpose authorized on the form. The completed TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) shall be distributed according to the instructions on the form.

Wine released from bonded storage under § 26.95 or § 26.96 may not be shipped to the United States until permit for such shipment has been obtained from the Secretary as provided in §§ 26.114 through 26.116.

Containers of wine of Puerto Rican manufacture which are to be shipped to the United States must be marked with the name of the winemaker, the serial number of the container, the kind and taxable grade of the wine, the gallon content, and the serial number of the withdrawal permit, TTB Form 5170.7, prefixed by the number of such form, e.g., “ 5170.7-17-1.”

(a) Beer of Puerto Rican manufacture coming into the United States and withdrawn for consumption or sale is subject to a tax equal to the internal revenue tax imposed on beer in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5051.

(b) The excise taxes collected on beer of Puerto Rican manufacture shall be deposited in the Treasury of Puerto Rico only if the sum of the cost or value of the materials produced in Puerto Rico, plus the direct costs of processing operations performed in Puerto Rico, equals or exceeds 50 percent of the value of the beer when it is brought into the United States.

When beer of Puerto Rican manufacture is to be withdrawn for shipment to the United States, or for use in making an article for shipment to the United States, application for permit to compute the tax on, and to withdraw, the beer shall be made by the brewer on TTB Form 5100.21, in quintuplicate. If the withdrawal is to be made in hogsheads, barrels, or kegs, the brewer shall enter the total number of each size, according to capacity, of containers which it is desired to withdraw. If the withdrawal is to be made in bottles, the brewer shall enter the number of cases, size of bottles, number of bottles per case, the total contents thereof in gallons (liquid measure), and the equivalent thereof in barrels and fractions of barrels of 31 gallons each. The brewer shall forward all copies of the TTB Form 5100.21 to the Secretary. If the application is properly prepared and is otherwise in order, the Secretary or their delegate shall execute the permit, retain one copy, and return the original and three copies to the brewer.

On receipt of permit to compute the tax on TTB Form 5100.21 the brewer shall compute and enter the amount of the tax on all copies of the form.

(a) Action by brewer. Where the brewer will defer payment of tax, he must execute the agreement on TTB Form 5100.21 to pay the amount of tax which has been computed and entered on the form. If a bond is required under § 26.68, he must certify under the penalties of perjury that he is not in default of any payment of tax chargeable against his bond, and that his bond is in the maximum penal sum, or that it is sufficient to cover the amount of tax on the beer described on the form in addition to all other amounts chargeable against his bond. If the brewer deferring payment of tax is not required to provide a bond under § 26.68, the brewer must certify under the penalties of perjury that the brewer was liable for not more than $50,000 in taxes in the preceding calendar year and reasonably expects to be liable for not more than $50,000 during the current calendar year. The brewer must deliver all copies of Form 5100.21 to the revenue agent.

(b) Action by revenue agent. On receipt of TTB Form 5100.21, the revenue agent shall verify the computation of the tax entered on the form, and if the proprietor has on file a good and sufficient bond, TTB Form 5130.16, so indicate on TTB Form 5100.21. The revenue agent shall then execute his report of release on the TTB Form 5100.21 and release the beer for the purpose authorized on the form. The completed form shall be distributed in the same manner as provided for TTB Form 5110.51 in § 26.80(b). Where the revenue agent finds that the proprietor does not have good and sufficient bond coverage, or that the proprietor is in default of payment of any taxes previously charged to his bond, he shall return all copies of TTB Form 5100.21 to the proprietor, giving his reasons for such action.

(a) Action by brewer. Where the beer is to be withdrawn from bonded storage after payment of the computed tax the brewer shall enter the amount of such computed tax on all copies of TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) and execute the statement that such tax is being prepaid. The brewer shall then prepare TTB Form 5000.25 in duplicate and send the original with all copies of TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) and the remittance in full for the tax, to the appropriate TTB officer.

(b) Action by appropriate TTB officer. On receipt of TTB Forms 2900 (5100.21) and 5000.25, and remittance covering prepayment of tax, the appropriate TTB officer shall execute the receipt on TTB Form 5000.25 and execute the report of prepaid taxes on all copies of TTB Form 2900 (5100.21). The appropriate TTB officer shall then retain the originals of TTB Forms 2900 (5110.21) and 5000.25 and forward the remaining copies of TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) in accordance with the instructions of the form.

(c) Action by revenue agent. On receipt of TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) executed by the appropriate TTB officer to show receipt of TTB Form 5000.25 and remittance, the revenue agent shall execute the report of release on the TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) and release the beer for the purpose authorized on the form. The completed TTB Form 2900 (5100.21) shall be distributed according to the instructions on the form.

Beer released from bonded storage under § 26.104 or § 26.105 may not be shipped to the United States until permit for such shipment has been obtained from the Secretary as provided in §§ 26.114 through 26.116.

Containers of beer of Puerto Rican manufacture which are to be shipped to the United States must be marked with the name of the brewer; the serial number, capacity, and size of the container; the kind of beer; and the serial number of the withdrawal permit, TTB Form 5170.7, prefixed by the number of such form, e.g., “ 5170.7-17-1.”

Articles of Puerto Rican manufacture which are to be shipped to the United States and which are not exempt fom tax under the provisions of § 26.36 are subject, under section 7652(a) to a tax equal to the tax imposed by the internal revenue laws of the United States. If such articles contain distilled spirits, the tax will be collected at the rate prescribed by 26 U.S.C. 5001(a)(1) on all alcohol contained therein, regardless of the source. Such articles containing only wine and/or beer will be taxed at the rates prescribed by 26 U.S.C. 5041 and/or 5051, respectively. A formula covering the manufacture of each article shall be filed by the manufacturer in accordance with subpart D of this part.

(a) Distilled spirits. Where distilled spirits of Puerto Rican manufacture are to be used in the manufacture of the articles to be shipped to the United States, the manufacturer shall make application on Form 5110.51, in accordance with the applicable provisions of § 26.78.

(b) Wine and/or beer. Where wine and/or beer of Puerto Rican manufacture is to be used in the manufacture of the articles to be shipped to the United States, the manufacturer shall make application on TTB Form 5100.21, in accordance with the applicable provisions of §§ 26.93 and/or 26.102. Wine and beer may be included in the same application.

(c) Approval of applications. The Secretary, or their delegate, shall approve and dispose of the applications in the manner prescribed in §§ 26.78, 26.93, and/or § 26.102, as the case may be.

(a) Distilled spirits. The tax on distilled spirits contained in articles to be shipped to the United States, equal to the tax imposed in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5001(a)(1), shall be computed in accordance with § 26.79 and paid in accordance with the applicable provisions of §§ 26.80, 26.81, and 26.111 through 26.113.

(b) Wine. The tax on wine used in the manufacture of articles to be shipped to the United States, equal to the tax imposed in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5041, shall be computed in accordance with § 26.94 and paid in accordance with the applicable provisions of §§ 26.95, 26.96, and 26.111 through 26.113.

(c) Beer. The tax on beer used in the manufacture of articles to be shipped to the United States, equal to the tax imposed in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5051, shall be computed in accordance with § 26.103 and paid in accordance with the applicable provisions of §§ 26.104, 26.105, and 26.111 through 26.113.

After determining that the proprietor has good and sufficient bond coverage, or, in the case of prepayment, on receipt of TTB Form 5110.51 or TTB Form 5100.21 executed by the appropriate TTB officer to show receipt of TTB Form 5000.25, and remittance, the revenue agent shall execute his report of release on TTB Form 5110.51 or TTB Form 5100.21 and release the articles containing distilled spirits, or release the wine and/or beer for use in the manufacture of articles. He shall forward one copy of TTB Form 5110.51 or TTB Form 5100.21, and any package gauge record as provided in § 26.164a, to the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverage Taxes and one copy of each to the District Revenue Agent (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico), deliver one copy of each to the applicant, and retain one copy. A permit shall be obtained as provided in §§ 26.114 through 26.116 before the articles manufactured from such liquors may be shipped to the United States.

All taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), and which, under the provisions of this part, are paid in Puerto Rico, shall be paid and collected on the basis of a tax return as provided in this subpart. Any tax which has been paid in accordance with the provisions of this part in effect at the time of such payment, and before provision was made in the part for payment of such tax by return, shall be deemed to have been prepaid as prescribed in this part.

(a) Returns. The taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), (equal to the taxes imposed in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5001(a)(1), 5041, or 5051), the payment of which has been deferred under the provisions of §§ 26.80, 26.95 or 26.104 of this part, shall be paid pursuant to a return on TTB Form 5000.25 prepared in accordance with the instructions on the form.

(b) Return periods—(1) Semimonthly return period. Except in the case of a taxpayer who qualifies for, and chooses to use, annual or quarterly return periods as provided in paragraph (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section, all taxpayers must use semimonthly return periods for deferred payment of tax. The semimonthly return periods run from the 1st day through the 15th day of each month, and from the 16th day through the last day of each month, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (d) of this section.

(2) Annual return period. Subject to paragraph (b)(4) of this section, a taxpayer may choose to use an annual return period if the taxpayer was not liable for more than $1,000 in taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652 in the preceding calendar year and if that taxpayer reasonably expects to be liable for not more than $1,000 in such taxes during the current calendar year. In such a case the last day for paying the tax and filing the return will be the 14th day after the last day of the calendar year. However, the taxpayer may not use the annual return period procedure for any portion of the calendar year following the first date on which the aggregate amount of tax due from the taxpayer during the calendar year exceeds $1,000, and any tax that has not been paid on that date will be due on the 14th day after the last day of the quarterly or semimonthly period in which that date occurs.

(3) Quarterly return period. Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section and subject to paragraph (b)(4) of this section, a taxpayer may choose to use a quarterly return period if the taxpayer was not liable for more than $50,000 in taxes imposed by 26 U.S.C. 7652 in the preceding calendar year and if that taxpayer reasonably expects to be liable for not more than $50,000 in such taxes during the current calendar year. In such a case the last day for paying the tax and filing the return will be the 14th day after the last day of the calendar quarter. However, the taxpayer may not use the quarterly return period procedure for any portion of the calendar year following the first date on which the aggregate amount of tax due from the taxpayer during the calendar year exceeds $50,000, and any tax that has not been paid on that date will be due on the 14th day after the last day of the semimonthly period in which that date occurs.

(4) The following additional rules apply to the annual and quarterly return period procedures under this section:

(i) A “taxpayer” is an individual, corporation, partnership, or other entity that is assigned a single Employer Identification Number as defined in 26 CFR 301.7701-12;

(ii) “Reasonably expects” means that there is no existing or anticipated circumstance known to the taxpayer (such as an increase in production capacity) that would cause the taxpayer's tax liability to exceed the prescribed limit;

(iii) A taxpayer with multiple locations must combine the tax liability for all locations with respect to distilled spirits, wine, or beer tax liability to determine eligibility for the return procedures;

(iv) A taxpayer who has both domestic operations and import transactions must combine the tax liability on the domestic operations and the imports with respect to distilled spirits, wine, or beer tax liability to determine eligibility for the return procedures;

(v) The controlled group rules of 26 U.S.C. 5061(e), which concern treatment of controlled groups as one taxpayer, do not apply for purposes of determining eligibility for the return procedures. However, a taxpayer who is eligible for the return procedures, and who is a member of a controlled group that owes $5 million or more in distilled spirits, wine, or beer excise taxes per year, is required to pay taxes by electronic fund transfer (EFT). Quarterly payments via EFT must be transmitted in accordance with section 5061(e);

(vi) A new taxpayer is eligible to use the return procedures in the first year of business simply if the taxpayer reasonably expects to be liable for not more than $1,000 (in the case of the annual return procedure) or $50,000 (in the case of the quarterly return procedure) in distilled spirits, wine, or beer taxes during that calendar year; and

(vii) If a taxpayer becomes ineligible to use a return procedure described in paragraph (b)(2) or (3) of this section because the taxpayer's liability exceeds $1,000 or $50,000, respectively, during a taxable year, that taxpayer may resume that return procedure only after a full calendar year has passed during which the taxpayer's liability did not exceed $1,000 or $50,000 as the case may be. A taxpayer may not use an annual or quarterly return procedure during any calendar year in which the taxpayer reasonably expects to be liable for more than $1,000 (in the case of the annual return procedure) or $50,000 (in the case of the quarterly return procedure) in distilled spirits, wine, or beer taxes.

(c) Filing. (1) The original of TTB Form 5000.25, with remittance covering the full amount of the tax, shall be filed with the appropriate TTB officer not later than the 14th day after the last day of the return period except as provided by paragraph (d) of this section. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately preceding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (d) of this section.

(2) The tax shall be paid in full by remittance at the time the return is filed, unless the proprietor is required to make remittances by electronic fund transfer in accordance with § 26.112a.

(3) The remittance may be in any form that is authorized to be accepted under the provisions of § 70.61 of this chapter.

(4) When the return and remittance are delivered by U.S. mail to the office of the appropriate TTB officer, the date of the official postmark of the U.S. Postal Service stamped on the cover in which the return and remittance were mailed shall be treated as the date of delivery.

(d) Special September rule for taxes due by semimonthly return. (1) Division of second semimonthly period. (i) General. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section, the second semimonthly period for the month of September is divided into two payment periods, from the 16th day through the 26th day, and from the 27th day through the 30th day. The taxpayer shall file a return on TTB Form 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 16-26, no later than September 29. The taxpayer shall file a return on TTB Form 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 27-30, no later than October 14.

(ii) Taxpayment not by electronic fund transfer. In the case of taxes for which remittance by electronic fund transfer (EFT) is not required by § 26.112a, the second semimonthly period of September is divided into two payment periods, from the 16th day through the 25th day, and from the 26th day through the 30th day. The taxpayer shall file a return on TTB Form 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 16-25, no later than September 28. The taxpayer shall file a return on TTB Form 5000.25, and make remittance, for the period September 26-30, no later than October 14.

(2) Amount of payment—Safe harbor rule. (i) General. Taxpayers are considered to have met the requirements of paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section if the amount paid no later than September 29 is not less than 11/15ths (73.3 percent) of the tax liability incurred for the semimonthly period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 15, and if any underpayment of tax is paid by October 14.

(ii) Taxpayment not by EFT. Taxpayers are considered to have met the requirements of paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section if the amount paid no later than September 28 is not less than 2/3rds (66.7 percent) of the tax liability incurred for the semimonthly period beginning on September 1 and ending on September 15, and if any underpayment of tax is paid by October 14.

(3) Weekends and holidays. If the required taxpayment due date for the period September 16-25 or September 16-26, as applicable, falls on a Saturday or legal holiday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately preceding day. If the required due date falls on a Sunday, the return and remittance are due on the immediately following day.

(e) Default. Where a taxpayer has defaulted in any payment of tax under this section, during the period of such default and until the appropriate TTB officer finds that the revenue will not be jeopardized by deferred payment of tax under this section, the tax shall be prepaid by such taxpayer in accordance with the provisions of § 26.113. During such period, distilled spirits, wine, or beer shall not be released from the proprietor's premises before the proprietor has paid the tax thereon. In the event of default, the appropriate TTB officer shall immediately notify the Secretary and the revenue agent at the premises that tax is to be prepaid until further notice, and upon a finding that the revenue will not be jeopardized by resumption of deferred payment or tax under this section, the appropriate TTB officer shall notify the Secretary and the revenue agent that deferred payment may be resumed.

(a) General. (1) Each taxpayer who was liable, during a calendar year, for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in distilled spirits taxes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and parts 19 and 27 of this chapter, a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in wine taxes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and parts 24 and 27 of this chapter, or a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in beer taxes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and parts 25 and 27 of this chapter, shall use a commercial bank in making payment by electronic fund transfer (EFT) of such taxes during the succeeding calendar year. Payment by cash, check, or money order, of distilled spirits taxes, wine taxes, or beer taxes, as described in § 26.112, is not authorized for a taxpayer who is required, by this section, to make remittances by EFT. For purposes of this section, the dollar amount of tax liability is to be summarized separately for distilled spirits taxes, wine taxes, or beer taxes, and is defined as the gross tax liability on each type of product for which taxes are paid in accordance with this subpart, taxable withdrawals from premises in the United States, and importation during the calendar year, without regard to any drawbacks, credits, or refunds, for all premises at which tax liabilities are incurred by the taxpayer. Overpayments are not taken into account in summarizing the gross tax liability.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a taxpayer includes a controlled group of corporations, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 1563, and implementing regulations in 26 CFR 1.1563-1 through 1.1563-4, except that the words “at least 80 percent” shall be replaced by the words “more than 50 percent” in each place it appears in subsection (a) of 26 U.S.C. 1563, as well as in the implementing regulations. Also, the rules for a “controlled group of corporations” apply in a similar fashion to groups which include partnerships and/or sole proprietorships. If one entity maintains more than 50% control over a group consisting of corporations and one, or more, partnerships and/or sole proprietorships, all of the members of the controlled group are one taxpayer for the purpose of determining who is required to make remittances by EFT.

(3) A taxpayer who is required by this section to make remittances by EFT, shall make a separate EFT remittance and file a separate tax return, for each premises from which distilled spirits, wine, or beer is withdrawn upon determination of tax.

(b) Requirements. (1) On or before January 10 of each calendar year, except for a taxpayer already remitting the tax by EFT, each taxpayer who was liable for a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in distilled spirits taxes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and parts 19 and 27 of this chapter, a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in wine taxes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and parts 24 and 27 of this chapter, or a gross amount equal to or exceeding five million dollars in beer taxes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and parts 25 and 27 of this chapter during the previous calendar year, shall notify, in writing, the appropriate TTB officer. The notice shall be an agreement to make remittances by EFT.

(2) For each return filed in accordance with this part, the taxpayer shall direct the taxpayer's bank to make an electronic fund transfer in the amount of the taxpayment to the Treasury Account as provided in paragraph (e) of this section. The request shall be made to the bank early enough for the transfer to be made to the Treasury Account by no later than the close of business on the last day for filing the return, prescribed in § 26.112 or § 26.113. The request shall take into account any time limit established by the bank.

(3) If a taxpayer was liable for less than five million dollars in distilled spirits taxes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and parts 19 and 27 of this chapter, less than five million dollars in wine taxes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and parts 24 and 27 of this chapter, or less than five million dollars in beer taxes combining tax liabilities incurred under this part and parts 25 and 27 of this chapter during the preceding calendar year, the taxpayer may choose either to continue remitting the tax as provided in this section or to remit the tax with the return as prescribed by § 26.112. Upon filing the first return on which the taxpayer chooses to discontinue remitting the tax by EFT and to begin remitting the tax with the tax return, the taxpayer shall notify the appropriate TTB officer by attaching a written notification to the tax return, stating that no taxes are due by EFT, because the tax liability during the preceding calendar year was less than five million dollars, and that the remittance shall be filed with the tax return.

(c) Remittance. (1) Each taxpayer shall show on the tax return, information about remitting the tax for that return by EFT and shall file the return with the appropriate TTB officer.

(2) Remittances shall be considered as made when the taxpayment by electronic fund transfer is received by the Treasury Account. For purposes of this section, a taxpayment by electronic fund transfer shall be considered as received by the Treasury Account when it is paid to a Federal Reserve Bank.

(3) When the taxpayer directs the bank to effect an electronic fund transfer message as required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section, any transfer data record furnished to the taxpayer, through normal banking procedures, will serve as the record of payment, and shall be retained as part of required records.

(d) Failure to make a taxpayment by EFT. The taxpayer is subject to a penalty imposed by 26 U.S.C. 5684, 6651, or 6656, as applicable, for failure to make a taxpayment by EFT on or before the close of business on the prescribed last day for filing.

(e) Procedure. Upon the notification required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the appropriate TTB officer will issue to the taxpayer a TTB procedure entitled, Payment of Tax by Electronic Fund Transfer. This publication outlines the procedure a taxpayer is to follow when preparing returns and EFT remittances in accordance with this part. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will provide the taxpayer with instructions for preparing EFT remittances for payments to be made to CBP.

(a) General. Except as provided in §§ 26.66(c), 26.67(b), or 26.68(b), a proprietor must have an approved bond to defer payment of taxes. If a proprietor does not have an approved bond covering the deferred payment of taxes, or if such bond is in an insufficient penal sum, or if there is default by him in any payment of tax under this subpart, liquors shall not be released from bonded storage before the proprietor has paid the tax thereon.

(b) Remittances. Remittances submitted to cover prepayment of taxes under this subpart shall be in cash, United States postal money orders, certified checks, or cashier's checks.

(c) Distilled spirits. In all cases where taxes equal to the taxes imposed in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5001(a)(1) are to be paid before distilled spirits may be released for shipment, the proprietor shall pay such taxes pursuant to a return on TTB Form 5000.25, as prescribed in § 26.81.

(d) Wine. In all cases where taxes equal to the taxes imposed in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5041, are to be paid before wine may be withdrawn from bonded storage, the proprietor shall pay such taxes pursuant to a return on TTB Form 5000.25, and as prescribed in § 26.96.

(e) Beer. In all cases where taxes equal to the taxes imposed in the United States by 26 U.S.C. 5051, are to be paid before beer may be withdrawn from bonded storage, the brewer shall pay such taxes pursuant to a return on TTB Form 5000.25, and as prescribed in § 26.105.

(f) Applicable procedures. The procedures of § 26.112(c) with respect to returns delivered by United States mail shall apply to returns and remittances filed under the provisions of this section.

Before liquors and articles of Puerto Rican manufacture, upon which all internal revenue taxes have been paid or deferred as prescribed in this subpart, may be shipped to the United States, a permit to ship, form TTB F 5170.7, must be obtained from the Secretary as provided in §§ 26.115 and 26.116.

Application for permit to ship to the United States liquors and articles of Puerto Rican manufacture on which all taxes have been paid or deferred as prescribed in this subpart shall be made by the shipper on TTB Form 5170.7, in sextuple. Each TTB Form 5170.7 will be given a serial number, by the applicant, beginning with “1” for the first day of January of each year and running consecutively thereafter to December 31, inclusive. This serial number will be prefixed by the last two digits of the calendar year, e.g. “61-1.” All copies of the form shall be delivered to the revenue agent for execution of his certification thereon and forwarding of all copies to the Secretary within sufficient time to allow for the issuance of the permit and customs inspection as provided in § 26.116.

If the application has been properly executed and the Secretary or their delegate finds that all internal revenue taxes imposed under 26 U.S.C. 7652(a), have been computed under the provisions of this part and have been paid or have been deferred under the applicable provisions of this part, they will execute their permit on all copies thereof, retain one copy of the form, return two copies to the shipper, and send three copies to the district director of customs in Puerto Rico. The shipper will submit the two copies of the TTB Form 5170.7 to the district director of customs at least six hours prior to the intended lading of the merchandise. The district director of customs will then inspect the merchandise covered by the TTB Form 5170.7 after which they will execute their certificate on each copy of TTB Form 5170.7 indicating all exceptions. If discrepancies appear indicating differences between the quantity covered by TTB Form 5170.7 and the quantity actually contained in the shipment or the improper tax payment of the merchandise, they will withhold release of the shipment and notify the Secretary of such discrepancies. Thereupon, such discrepancies must be corrected in the shipping documents and additional tax paid, if required, prior to release of the merchandise. The district director of customs, upon release of the merchandise for shipment, will retain one copy of the TTB Form 5170.7, return two copies to the shipper, and send two copies to the district director of customs at the port of arrival in the United States, one of which should be mailed and the other dispatched on the vessel concerned for the guidance of the appropriate TTB officer who will handle the cargo. After the shipment has been cleared by the district director of customs in Puerto Rico, the shipper shall retain one copy of the TTB Form 5170.7 and send one copy thereof, with other shipping documents, to the district director of customs at the port of arrival.

The carrier of the merchandise specified on the TTB Form 5170.7 shall, at the time of unlading at the port of arrival in the United States, segregate and arrange the cases of liquors or articles for convenient customs examination and will assume any expense incurred in connection therewith.

On receipt of properly executed TTB Form 5170.7 from the shipper and the copies of TTB Form 5170.7 from the district director of customs in Puerto Rico, the district director of customs at the port of arrival shall inspect the merchandise to determine whether the quantity specified on the TTB Form 5170.7 is contained in the shipment. He will then execute his certificate on each copy of TTB Form 5170.7 received and indicate thereon any exceptions found at the time of discharge. The statement of exceptions should show the serial number of each case or other shipping container which sustained a loss, the quantity of liquor reported shipped in such container and the quantity lost. Losses occurring as the result of missing bottles, cases, or other containers should be listed separately from empty containers and containers which have sustained losses due to breakage. Where the statement is made on the basis of bottles missing or lost due to other cause, the number and size of bottles lost should be shown. If the district director of customs finds that the full amount of the taxes due has not been paid, he will require the difference due to be paid prior to release of the merchandise in accordance with the applicable provisions of this part. When the proper inspection of the merchandise has been effected, and any additional taxes found to be due on the liquors or articles collected, the merchandise will be released.

Two copies of the TTB Form 5170.7 will be forwarded to the appropriate TTB officer, and one copy of the form will be retained by the district director of customs and be available for inspection by appropriate TTB officers.