The State Taxes and Excise Department, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh on March 31, 2026, notified the amendment to the Punjab Distillery Rules, 1932.
The rules have been amended to replace sub-rule 9.5(F), introducing the D-2M license (replacing D-2W). This license will be granted by the Commissioner of State Taxes and Excise, Himachal Pradesh, for the maturation/ageing of spirits in wooden casks or barrels outside factory premises.
The license is available to both in-state and out-of-state distilleries and permits storage, import, and export of spirits/malt spirits/high bouquet. An annual fee of ₹5 lakh is applicable per premises.
Applicants shall submit documents including a project report, distillery license, land ownership/lease proof, non-conviction affidavit, and verified site plan. The premises shall be secured with fencing and CCTV surveillance, and will be inspected quarterly by authorities. The department may require additional documents.
This will come into effect from April 01, 2026.
[Notification no. - 7-1/2025-EXN9605]
