(a) Alternate methods or procedures -
(1) Application. A permittee, after receiving approval from the appropriate TTB officer, may use an alternate method or procedure (including alternate construction or equipment) in lieu of a method or procedure prescribed by this part. A permittee wishing to use an alternate method or procedure may apply to the appropriate TTB officer. The permittee shall describe the proposed alternate method or procedure and shall set forth the reasons for its use.
(2) Approval by appropriate TTB officer. The appropriate TTB officer may approve the use of an alternate method or procedure if:
(i) The applicant shows good cause for its use;
(ii) It is consistent with the purpose and effect of the procedure prescribed by this part, and provides equal security to the revenue;
(iii) It is not contrary to law; and
(iv) It will not cause an increase in cost to the Government and will not hinder the effective administration of this part.
(3) Exceptions. The appropriate TTB officer will not authorize an alternate method or procedure relating to the giving of a bond.
(4) Conditions of approval. A permittee may not employ an alternate method or procedure until the appropriate TTB officer has approved its use. The permittee shall, during the terms of the authorization of an alternate method or procedure, comply with the terms of the approved application.
(b) Emergency variations from requirements -
(1) Application. When an emergency exists, a permittee may apply to the appropriate TTB officer for a variation from the requirements of this part relating to construction, equipment, and methods of operation. The permittee shall describe the proposed variation and set forth the reasons for using it.
(2) Approval by appropriate TTB officer. The appropriate TTB officer may approve an emergency variation from requirements if:
(i) An emergency exists;
(ii) The variation from the requirements is necessary;
(iii) It will afford the same security and protection to the revenue as intended by the specific regulations;
(iv) It will not hinder the effective administration of this part; and
(v) It is not contrary to law.
(3) Conditions of approval. A permittee may not employ an emergency variation from the requirements until the appropriate TTB officer has approved its use. Approval of variations from requirements are conditioned upon compliance with the conditions and limitations set forth in the approval.
(4) Automatic termination of approval. If the permittee fails to comply in good faith with the procedures, conditions or limitations set forth in the approval, authority for the variation from requirements is automatically terminated and the permittee is required to comply with prescribed requirements of regulations from which those variations were authorized.
(c) Withdrawal of approval. The appropriate TTB officer may withdraw approval for an alternate method or procedure or an emergency variation from requirements, approved under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, if the appropriate TTB officer finds that the revenue is jeopardized or the effective administration of this part is hindered by the approval.
(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1512-0335)
[T.D. ATF-199, 50 FR 9183, Mar. 6, 1985, as amended by T.D. ATF-435, 66 FR 5476, Jan. 19, 2001]