[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 37 (Monday, February 25, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12591-12595]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-04242]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 37 / Monday, February 25, 2013 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 12591]]
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
27 CFR Part 5
[Docket No. TTB-2012-0002; T.D. TTB-112; Ref: Notice No. 127]
RIN 1513-AB33
Amendment to the Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits
AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Final rule; Treasury Decision.
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SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is amending the
regulations setting forth the standards of identity for distilled
spirits to include ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' as a type of rum and as a
distinctive product of Brazil. This amendment follows requests received
from the Government of Brazil and subsequent discussions with the
Office of the United States Trade Representative.
DATES: Effective Date: April 11, 2013. Existing certificates of label
approval that contain the term ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' and do not comply
with the regulations in 27 CFR part 5 will be revoked by operation of
regulation on August 26, 2013. Section 5.35a (27 CFR 5.35a) is
effective from April 11, 2013 to February 25, 2015.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kate M. Bresnahan, Regulations and
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G
Street NW., Suite 200E, Washington, DC 20005; telephone 202-453-1039,
Ext. 151.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
TTB Authority
Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act),
codified in the United States Code at 27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the
Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations relating to the
packaging, marking, branding, labeling, and size and fill of containers
of alcohol beverages that will prohibit consumer deception and provide
the consumer with adequate information as to the identity and quality
of the product. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
administers the FAA Act pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002, codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The Secretary has
delegated various authorities through Treasury Department Order 120-01
(Revised), dated January 21, 2003, to the TTB Administrator to perform
the functions and duties in the administration and enforcement of this
law. Regulations implementing the provisions of section 105(e) as they
relate to distilled spirits are set forth in part 5 of title 27 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (27 CFR part 5).
Classes and Types of Spirits
The TTB labeling regulations require that the class and type of
distilled spirits appear on the product's brand label (see 27 CFR
5.32(a)(2) and 5.35). Those regulations provide that the class and type
must be stated in conformity with Sec. 5.22 of the TTB regulations (27
CFR 5.22) if defined therein. Otherwise, the product must be designated
in accordance with trade and consumer understanding thereof, or, if no
such understanding exists, by a distinctive or fanciful name, and, in
either case (with limited exceptions), followed by a truthful and
adequate statement of composition (see 27 CFR 5.35).
Section 5.22 establishes standards of identity for distilled
spirits products and categorizes these products according to various
classes and types. As used in Sec. 5.22, the term ``class'' refers to
a general category of spirits, such as ``whisky'' or ``brandy.''
Currently, there are 12 different classes of distilled spirits
recognized in Sec. 5.22, including whisky, rum, and brandy. The term
``type'' refers to a subcategory within a class of spirits. For
example, ``Cognac'' is a type of brandy, and ``Canadian whisky'' is a
type of whisky.
Classification of Cacha[ccedil]a
``Cacha[ccedil]a'' is a term recognized by the Brazilian Government
as a designation for a Brazilian distilled spirits product made from
sugar cane. Currently, Cacha[ccedil]a products are generally classified
as rum under TTB's labeling regulations. The standard of identity for
rum is set forth in Sec. 5.22(f) as an alcoholic distillate from the
fermented juice of sugar cane, sugar cane syrup, sugar cane molasses,
or other sugar cane by-products, produced at less than 190[deg] proof
in such manner that the distillate possesses the taste, aroma and
characteristics generally attributed to rum, and bottled at not less
than 80[deg] proof; and also includes mixtures solely of such
distillates. The above standard does not currently provide for any
subcategories or ``types'' of rum.
By letter dated April 30, 2001, the Embassy of the Government of
Brazil submitted a petition to TTB's predecessor agency, the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), in which it requested that ATF
amend its regulations to recognize ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' as a distinctive
product of Brazil. After preliminary discussions with the Brazilian
Embassy, no further action was taken with regard to the request.
In a second petition, dated March 6, 2006, the Brazilian Embassy
asked TTB to amend its regulations to recognize Cacha[ccedil]a as a
distinctive product of Brazil. Among other things, the Embassy noted
Brazilian Decree No. 4851, of October 2, 2003, which defines
``Cacha[ccedil]a'' as ``the typical and exclusive designation of the
sugar cane aguardente produced in Brazil, with an alcohol content of 38
to 48 percent by volume at 20 degrees Celsius, obtained from the
distillation of the fermented must of sugar cane with specific sensory
characteristics, to which up to six grams of sugar per liter may be
added, expressed in terms of sucrose.''
In addition, following discussions between officials of Brazil and
the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and after
consultations between USTR and TTB, the United States Trade
Representative and Brazil's Minister of Development, Industry, and
Foreign Trade signed an agreement on April 9, 2012, setting out a
procedure that could lead each party to recognize certain distinctive
distilled spirits produced in the other party's territory, including
Cacha[ccedil]a. The agreement provides in part that if, following the
publication of a notice of proposed rulemaking, the United States
publishes a final rule that provides,
[[Page 12592]]
among other things, that Cacha[ccedil]a is a type of rum that is a
distinctive product of Brazil, then Brazil, within 30 days thereafter,
will recognize Bourbon Whiskey and Tennessee Whiskey as distinctive
products of the United States.
Besides the petition from the Brazilian Government and advice from
USTR, TTB also received a number of essentially identical letters from
private parties supporting the recognition of Cacha[ccedil]a as a
distinctive type of distilled spirit.
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments Received
On April 30, 2012, TTB published in the Federal Register at 77 FR
25382 a notice of proposed rulemaking, Notice No. 127, which proposed
to amend the regulations setting forth the standards of identity for
distilled spirits contained in 27 CFR 5.22 to include Cacha[ccedil]a as
a type of rum that is a distinctive product of Brazil. Specifically,
TTB proposed amending Sec. 5.22(f), which lays out the standard of
identity for rum.
Under the proposed regulatory changes, Cacha[ccedil]a would be
recognized as a type within the class designation ``rum'' that is a
distinctive product of Brazil, manufactured in Brazil in compliance
with the laws of Brazil regulating the manufacture of Cacha[ccedil]a
for consumption in that country. Under the proposed rule, the product
could simply be labeled as ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' without the term ``rum''
appearing on the label.
In Notice No. 127, TTB noted that the proposed type description
would not include as ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' any spirits that use corn or
corn syrup in the fermentation process. Some product labels currently
include ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' as additional information or fanciful names
for products that have been manufactured using a small quantity of corn
or corn syrup in the fermentation process. Since these products were
not distilled exclusively from sugar cane or sugar cane by-products,
TTB has required that these products be labeled with distinctive or
fanciful names, as well as statements of composition, in accordance
with Sec. 5.35. TTB has confirmed with the Brazilian Government that
the Brazilian standard for Cacha[ccedil]a would not allow for the use
of corn or corn syrup in the fermentation process.
TTB also noted that the Brazilian standard for Cacha[ccedil]a
provides that Cacha[ccedil]a may contain up to six grams of added sugar
per liter. The addition of sugar in this amount would not remove the
product from the standard of identity for rum, pursuant to the
provisions of 27 CFR 5.23. Accordingly, a Cacha[ccedil]a product, which
is manufactured in Brazil in compliance with the laws of Brazil
regulating the manufacture of Cacha[ccedil]a for consumption in that
country, and which contains up to six grams of added sugar per liter,
would fall within the standard of identity for rum. In Notice No. 127,
TTB stated that the Brazilian standard allows products designated as
Cacha[ccedil]a to have an alcohol content ranging from 38 to 48 percent
alcohol by volume. TTB further noted that, since the standard of
identity contained in the proposed rule identified Cacha[ccedil]a as a
type of rum and the United States standard requires that rum must be
bottled at not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume, or 80[deg]
proof, any ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' imported into the United States would
have to conform to this minimum bottling proof requirement. A product
that is bottled at below 40 percent alcohol by volume would fall
outside the class and type designation. Depending on the way that such
a product is manufactured, it may be labeled as a ``diluted
Cacha[ccedil]a'' or a distilled spirits specialty product bearing a
statement of composition.
In Notice No. 127, TTB sought comments on the proposed regulatory
changes, and specifically requested comments on whether the proposed
amendment would have an adverse impact on owners of U.S. trademarks.
TTB also expressed specific interest in receiving comments on the
extent to which distilled spirits labeled as Cacha[ccedil]a are
produced outside Brazil in order to help determine whether
Cacha[ccedil]a should be recognized as a distinctive product of Brazil.
During the comment period, TTB received a request from the European
Union (EU) to extend the comment period ``in order to have time to
analyze and prepare comments'' on the proposal. In response to this
request, on June 29, 2012, TTB published in the Federal Register at 77
FR 38758 Notice No. 127A which extended the comment period for Notice
No. 127 an additional 10 days. Accordingly, the comment period for the
proposal outlined in Notice No. 127 closed on July 9, 2012.
TTB received a total of 13 responses to Notice No. 127, in addition
to the request to extend the comment period (see comment 4 within
Docket No. TTB-2012-0002 at ``Regulations.gov,'' www.regulations.gov).
The 13 responses were received from industry and trade associations
(6), consumers (3), businesses (2), the Government of Brazil, and the
European Union.
Twelve of the commenters commented in support of TTB's proposal to
recognize Cacha[ccedil]a as a distinctive product of Brazil in the
United States. Eight of the commenters supported the regulatory
proposal in Notice No. 127 without further change or clarification.
Four expressed support for the regulatory proposal but also requested
changes to or clarifications of the proposed regulatory text. The EU
did not express support or opposition to the proposal, but suggested
several changes to, and requested some clarification of, the proposed
regulatory text. The requested changes and clarifications are discussed
in detail below. None of the comments TTB received asserted that the
proposed amendment would have an adverse impact on owners of U.S.
trademarks or that any distilled spirits products labeled as
Cacha[ccedil]a are produced outside Brazil. The four comments
requesting changes to or clarifications of the proposed regulatory text
and the EU comment are discussed in detail below.
Comments Concerning Flavored Cacha[ccedil]a
INOX North America (comment 2) supported TTB's proposal to amend
the standards of identity for distilled spirits to include
Cacha[ccedil]a as a distinctive type of rum, but asked that TTB
consider an appropriate designation within the Cacha[ccedil]a subclass
for flavored varieties of Cacha[ccedil]a, which contain natural or
artificial flavors and have an alcohol content of 35 percent alcohol by
volume. INOX North America stated that these products currently are
sold legally in Brazil and that TTB has approved labels for three
flavored Cacha[ccedil]a products.
With regard to flavored Cacha[ccedil]a and the comment submitted by
INOX North America, the Brazilian Institute of Cacha[ccedil]a (comment
9) and the Government of Brazil (comment 11), stated that Brazilian law
does not allow flavors to be added to Cacha[ccedil]a in Brazil. The
Brazilian Institute of Cacha[ccedil]a asked TTB to carefully scrutinize
labels for flavored distilled spirits specialty products that claim to
be Cacha[ccedil]a or that refer to Cacha[ccedil]a in their fanciful
names, as these labels may mislead consumers regarding the origin,
identity, or characteristics of the products. The comment from the
Brazilian Government urged TTB not to approve labels for flavored
distilled spirits products referring to Cacha[ccedil]a, because they
could mislead consumers regarding the origin, identity, or
characteristics of the product.
TTB Response
According to the comment submitted by the Government of Brazil,
Brazilian law does not authorize the use of a
[[Page 12593]]
``flavored Cacha[ccedil]a'' designation. Further, the use of such a
designation is outside the scope of the proposed rule. Accordingly, TTB
is not amending the regulations in Sec. 5.22(f) in order to set forth
a special category for ``flavored Cacha[ccedil]a'' as requested by the
commenter.
TTB notes that the products described by INOX North America, which
contain added flavors and have an alcohol content of 35 percent, would
not meet the standard of identity proposed for Cacha[ccedil]a as a type
of rum. However, the regulations in Sec. 5.22 already contain a
standard of identity for flavored rum. Under Sec. 5.22(i), the
standard of identity for ``flavored rum'' is rum ``to which have been
added natural flavoring materials, with or without the addition of
sugar, and bottled at not less than 60[deg] proof''. Thus, products
that are made by adding natural flavors to Cacha[ccedil]a, and which
comply with the standards of section 5.22(i), may be designated as
``flavored rum.'' Products that do not meet the ``flavored rum''
standards may be labeled with distinctive or fanciful names in
accordance with Sec. 5.35. In such cases, the label would have to
include a statement of composition that identified the base distilled
spirits (if applicable, Cacha[ccedil]a) and the ingredients added to
the product (such as ``natural and artificial flavors''). The
designation ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' may not be used on such labels in a
manner that creates the misleading impression that the final product is
Cacha[ccedil]a, but it may be used to accurately designate the base
distilled spirits.
Comment Concerning Aged Cacha[ccedil]a and Sweetened Cacha[ccedil]a
The EU (comment 12) asked for clarification on TTB's position
concerning the labeling of ``Aged Cacha[ccedil]a'' and ``Sweetened
Cacha[ccedil]a''. The EU stated that under Brazilian legislation,
``Aged Cacha[ccedil]a'' may be used on a label if the bottle contains a
minimum of 50 percent Cacha[ccedil]a that has been aged for a year or
longer, which differs from the U.S. provisions on statements of age.
The EU also stated that in Brazil ``Sweetened Cacha[ccedil]a'' may
contain a maximum of 30 grams of added sugar per liter, while in the
United States the total addition of coloring, flavoring, or blending
materials in distilled spirits products may not exceed 2\1/2\ percent
by volume of the finished product.
TTB Response
Labels bearing a statement of age for Cacha[ccedil]a products being
sold or distributed for consumption in the United States would have to
comply with TTB regulations applicable to statements of age contained
in 27 CFR 5.11 and 5.40(b). Section 5.11 contains the following
definition of ``Age'': ``The period during which, after distillation
and before bottling, distilled spirits have been stored in oak
containers.'' Section 5.40(b) covers the use of statements of age on
wine labels for rum, brandy, and Tequila. Section 5.40(b) states, in
part, that age may, but need not, be stated on labels of rums,
brandies, and Tequila. If age is stated, it shall be substantially as
follows: ``----years old''; the blank to be filled in with the age of
the youngest distilled spirits in the product.
The statement ``aged Cacha[ccedil]a'' would not comply with section
5.40(b), which requires such statements to specify the age of the
youngest distilled spirits in the product. However, the statement could
be used in conjunction with an age statement that complies with section
5.40(b) (such as ``------ years old''). A Cacha[ccedil]a or other rum
that contains distilled spirits that have not been aged at all in oak
containers would not be entitled to any age statement under TTB
regulations, because Sec. 5.40(b) requires age statements to be based
on the age of the youngest distilled spirits in the product.
With regard to the question concerning labeling of products with
the term ``Sweetened Cacha[ccedil]a,'' Brazilian law currently states
that Cacha[ccedil]a that contains sugars in quantities above 6 and
below 30 grams per liter shall be called ``Sweetened Cacha[ccedil]a''.
The applicable TTB regulation, 27 CFR 5.23(a)(2), generally allows
for the addition of certain harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending
materials, including sugar, to any class or type of distilled spirits,
without a change in class or type, where the ingredients are not an
essential component part of the particular distilled spirits to which
added, but are customarily employed therein in accordance with
established trade usage. However, the added coloring, flavoring, or
blending materials must not total more than 2\1/2\ percent by volume of
the finished product.
The Brazilian standard for ``Sweetened Cacha[ccedil]a'' is
expressed in terms of grams of sugar per liter. Under the final rule,
any Cacha[ccedil]a product containing more than 2\1/2\ percent by
volume of added sugar would not be allowed to be labeled as
Cacha[ccedil]a under Sec. 5.22(f), because such a product would not
meet the standards for the ``rum'' designation. If a product does not
conform to any of the standards of identity set forth in Sec. 5.22, it
must be labeled in accordance with Sec. 5.35. Under this provision,
the product must be designated in accordance with trade and consumer
understanding thereof, or, if no such understanding exists, by a
distinctive or fanciful name, and, in either case (with limited
exceptions), followed by a truthful and adequate statement of
composition. Thus, consistent with Sec. 5.35, a Cacha[ccedil]a product
containing more than 2\1/2\ percent of added sugar by volume in the
finished product could be labeled with a statement of composition such
as ``Cacha[ccedil]a sweetened with sugar.'' If the product contains no
more than 2\1/2\ percent by volume of added sugar but is no longer
entitled to a ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' designation under Brazilian law
because it contains more than 6 grams of sugar per liter, the product
could still be labeled as ``rum'' under TTB regulations.
Comments Concerning the Regulatory Text
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS)
supported TTB's proposal to recognize Cacha[ccedil]a as a distinctive
product of Brazil, but suggested a change to the regulatory text in
proposed Sec. 5.22(f)(1) (comment 7). The regulatory text proposed in
Notice No. 127 stated that Cacha[ccedil]a must be ``manufactured in
Brazil in compliance with the laws of Brazil regulating the manufacture
of Cacha[ccedil]a for consumption in that country'' (emphasis added).
DISCUS commented that the highlighted language could inadvertently
cause confusion as to whether a product that is produced in full
conformity with Brazil's regulations governing the manufacture of
Cacha[ccedil]a for consumption in Brazil and bottled at less than 40
percent alcohol by volume could be labeled and sold in the United
States as ``Cacha[ccedil]a.'' DISCUS believes that removing the words
``for consumption in that country'' from proposed Sec. 5.22(f)(1)
would bring the proposed regulatory text into conformity with the U.S.-
Brazil exchange of letters that occurred on April 9, 2012, and with
TTB's intentions regarding the labeling of Cacha[ccedil]a bottled at
less than 40 percent alcohol by volume.
DISCUS also noted that this change to the text would be consistent
with TTB Notice No. 126, Standards of Identity for Pisco and Cognac,
published in the Federal Register of March 27, 2012 (77 FR 18146).
The EU also recommended changes to the proposed regulatory text.
The EU suggested that TTB reword proposed Sec. 5.22(f)(1) as follows:
(1) ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' is a rum, as defined in 27 CFR Part
5[[hellip]], which is a distinctive product of Brazil manufactured
in Brazil in compliance with the laws of Brazil regulating
[[Page 12594]]
the manufacture of Cacha[ccedil]a for consumption in that country.
The word ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' may be spelled with or without the
diacritic mark. This product may be labeled as ``Cacha[ccedil]a''
without the term ``rum'' on the label, provided that it complies
with the standard of identity for rum as established in this
section.
The EU asked that TTB rewrite the regulatory text in this way in
order to specify that the labeling derogation for Cacha[ccedil]a will
only apply to a product if that product conforms entirely with the U.S.
definition of rum, and not only with regard to the minimum alcohol
content.
TTB Response
TTB is not removing the phrase ``for consumption in that country''
from the regulatory text proposed in Notice No. 127. That phrase is
similar to language in other type designations already in our
regulations, including Scotch whisky (Sec. 5.22(b)(7)), Irish whisky
(Sec. 5.22(b)(8)), and Canadian whisky (Sec. 5.22(b)(9)), and it is
identical to the language found in the class designation for tequila
(Sec. 5.22(g)). Removing that phrase from the regulatory language
might suggest that the new regulatory text would have a meaning that is
different from existing regulatory language regarding distilled spirits
products that are distinctive products of a foreign country. TTB does
not want to adopt language that might be interpreted as suggesting that
the Brazilian laws governing the manufacture of Cacha[ccedil]a could
provide different standards for products to be exported from those for
products to be consumed within Brazil. As for the comparison to
language used in Notice No. 126, TTB may consider these comments when
drafting the final rule amending the standard of identity for Pisco
brandy in Sec. 5.22(d).
TTB is accepting the EU's suggestion to remove the words ``type
of'' from the first sentence of the proposed regulatory text. TTB also
will remove the word ``a'' before rum. TTB believes that these changes
in language will conform the regulatory text to other type designations
in Sec. 5.22. Nonetheless, the final rule will still establish
Cacha[ccedil]a as a type of rum.
TTB does not consider it necessary to include the rest of the EU's
suggestions regarding the regulatory text in this final rule. As a type
of rum, Cacha[ccedil]a must meet all the requirements for the rum class
designation specified in Sec. 5.22(f), as well as all of the Brazilian
requirements for Cacha[ccedil]a, and TTB believes that further
clarification of the proposed regulatory text in Notice No. 127 is
unnecessary. As amended, the standards of identity will provide that
Cacha[ccedil]a is a rum. Any product that is not entitled to a ``rum''
designation under Sec. 5.22(f) will not be entitled to a
``Cacha[ccedil]a'' designation under Sec. 5.22(f)(1).
TTB Finding
For the reasons stated above, TTB considers it appropriate to
recognize ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' as a type within the class designation
``rum'' that is a distinctive product of Brazil, manufactured in Brazil
in compliance with the laws of Brazil regulating the manufacture of
Cacha[ccedil]a for consumption in that country. Therefore, TTB adopts
the regulatory changes proposed in Notice No. 127, incorporating the
modifications discussed above.
Effect on Existing Labels
Consistent with the proposed rule, distilled spirits for which corn
or corn syrup has been used in the fermentation process would not meet
the standard for ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' because they are not manufactured
in compliance with the laws of Brazil regulating the manufacture of
Cacha[ccedil]a for consumption in that country, and because they do not
comply with the standard for ``rum'' under section 5.22. Such products
would instead continue to be labeled with distinctive or fanciful
names, as well as statements of composition, in accordance with Sec.
5.35. Because the base distilled spirits used in such a product are not
entitled to be designated as ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' under the final rule,
the use of the term ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' as a fanciful name or in a
statement of composition would similarly be prohibited. Thus, any
labels for such products that include the term ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' would
be revoked by operation of regulation.
The use of the term ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' as additional information on
labels of products that are currently designated as ``rum'' or
``Brazilian rum'' will continue to be allowed as long as the products
in question meet the new regulatory standards for designation as
``Cacha[ccedil]a.'' Once the final rule goes into effect, such products
may be designated as ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' without the use of the
designation ``rum'' on the label.
Labels containing the term ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' that do not comply
with the new regulatory language contained in Sec. 5.22(f) will be
revoked by operation of regulation under the provisions of 27 CFR 13.51
and 13.72. Section 13.51 provides that TTB will not individually notify
all holders of certificates of label approval that their approvals have
been revoked if the revocation occurs by operation of regulation.
Moreover, in such cases, it is the responsibility of the certificate
holder to voluntarily surrender all certificates that are no longer in
compliance.
Section 13.72 provides that revocations by operation of regulation
become effective on the effective date of the change in the regulation
with which the label does not comply, or, if a separate label
compliance date is given, on that date. TTB believes that only a small
number of industry members have labels that will be revoked by
operation of this final rule. In order to minimize any adverse effect
on industry members who have noncompliant labels, TTB is adding a label
compliance provision to the regulation that allows the continued use of
previously approved ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' labels for 180 days from the
date that the final rule is published in the Federal Register.
Accordingly, under the terms of this final rule, noncompliant labels
will not be revoked by operation of law until August 26, 2013. This
document includes the transition period provisions in the codified
regulations at a new Sec. 5.35a for ease of reference, but provides
for the expiration of this provision after 2 years, because industry
members will no longer have a need to refer to this temporary
transition rule after that time.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
TTB certifies that these regulations will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The final
rule amends the standards of identity for rum at 27 CFR 5.22(f) and
does not impose any new reporting, recordkeeping, or other
administrative requirement. TTB did not receive any comments indicating
that products made outside of Brazil were currently using the
designation ``Cacha[ccedil]a'', and we believe that only a small number
of labels will be noncompliant with the new regulation. The final rule
allows the continued use of noncompliant labels for a 180-day period in
order to allow sufficient time for necessary labeling changes.
Therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required.
Executive Order 12866
It has been determined that this final rule is not a significant
regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. Therefore, a
regulatory assessment is not required.
Drafting Information
Kate M. Bresnahan of the Regulations and Rulings Division prepared
this final rule.
[[Page 12595]]
List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 5
Advertising, Consumer protection, Customs duties and inspection,
Imports, Labeling, Liquors, and Packaging and containers.
Amendments to the Regulations
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB amends 27 CFR,
chapter I, part 5, as follows:
PART 5--LABELING AND ADVERTISING OF DISTILLED SPIRITS
0
1. The authority citation for part 5 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 26 U.S.C. 5301, 7805, 27 U.S.C. 205.
0
2. Amend Sec. 5.22 by revising paragraph (f) to read as follows:
Sec. 5.22 The standards of identity.
* * * * *
(f) Class 6; rum. ``Rum'' is an alcoholic distillate from the
fermented juice of sugar cane, sugar cane syrup, sugar cane molasses,
or other sugar cane by-products, produced at less than 190[deg] proof
in such manner that the distillate possesses the taste, aroma, and
characteristics generally attributed to rum, and bottled at not less
than 80[deg] proof; and also includes mixtures solely of such
distillates.
(1) ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' is rum that is a distinctive product of
Brazil, manufactured in Brazil in compliance with the laws of Brazil
regulating the manufacture of Cacha[ccedil]a for consumption in that
country. The word ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' may be spelled with or without the
diacritic mark (i.e., ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' or ``Cachaca'').
(2) [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
3. Add new Sec. 5.35a to read as follows:
Sec. 5.35a Transition period for labels containing the term
``Cacha[ccedil]a.''
Holders of certificates of label approval issued prior to April 11,
2013 for labels that contain the term ``Cacha[ccedil]a'' in a manner
that does not comply with the labeling requirements contained in part 5
of this title may continue to use those certificates until August 26,
2013, at which time those certificates shall be revoked by operation of
regulation.
Signed: November 30, 2012.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
Approved: December 13, 2012.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Tax, Trade, and Tariff Policy.
[FR Doc. 2013-04242 Filed 2-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P