Excise Duty Circulars

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ED 210-4R - Guidelines for Alcohol Determination - Protocol for the Examination and Approval of Digital Density Meters

September 2001

INTRODUCTION

This protocol states the procedure to follow for the examination and approval of digital density meters (DDM) for the determination of alcoholic strength for excise purposes.

EXAMINATION OF DDM

The Laboratory and Scientific Services Directorate (LSSD) will send to the licensee:

ANALYSIS OF THE DDM EXAMINATION RESULTS

The alcoholic strength results obtained by the licensee using the protocol mentioned above are submitted to LSSD. LSSD compares the results to the certified values of the three Quality Control Spirit samples. If the results are within ± 0.05% absolute ethyl alcohol by volume of the certified value for each of the Quality Control Spirit samples, LSSD approves the DDM.

In the case where one of the average values varies by more than ± 0.05% of absolute ethyl alcohol by volume at 20^oC of the certified value of one of the Quality Control Spirit samples, LSSD rejects the results. LSSD then sends three new Quality Control Spirit samples to the licensee for a new examination. If one of the values of this new examination does not meet the criteria mentioned above, the licensee is informed that his DDM has failed and that corrective measures must be taken before he can reapply for a new examination. In order to reapply for a new examination, the licensee must provide written documentation to the excise officer (who will transmit this information to LSSD) that corrective measures have been taken to remedy the erroneous readings obtained from the DDM. Examples of corrective measures may include servicing of the DDM by a qualified technician, retraining the operator, etc.

Upon receipt of written documentation provided by the licensee that corrective measures have been taken and when satisfied that such measures may have corrected the erroneous readings, LSSD will inform the licensee that the DDM may be submitted to another round of examinations and send three additional Quality Control Spirit samples to the licensee for the examination. The examination and treatment of these results follow the same procedure described previously. Proof of corrective measures is mandatory following every failed examination should the licensee wish to have his DDM approved for excise purposes.

APPROVAL OF DDM

Approval is based on all of the above mentioned results as well as information provided by the excise officer during the examination procedure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Information or enquiries concerning this procedure should be communicated to the Chief, Alcohol and Tobacco Section, Laboratory and Scientific Services Directorate at (613) 954-9944.

This supersedes Circular ED 210-4, dated October 2000.