The Excise Department, Himachal Pradesh, on March 31, 2026, has issued a notification amending the Punjab Distillery Rules, 1932 under the powers of the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011 and the Punjab Excise Act, 1914. The amendment, effective April 1, 2026, substitutes clause 3B of Rule 9.5 relating to brand registration and bottling/lease arrangements.
The revised provision allows manufacturers and non-manufacturers owning liquor brands to register, manufacture, market, and export their brands of IMFL, beer, and wine/cider in the State through proper bottling or lease agreements with licensed manufacturers within Himachal Pradesh. Applicants entering into such arrangements are required to furnish income tax returns for the previous three years (except newly formed entities), along with necessary agreements and declarations regarding past compliance with excise laws.
Additionally, the amendment prescribes a refundable security deposit of ₹10 lakh (for wineries) and ₹25 lakh (for other manufacturers) in the form of an FDR, which may be forfeited upon breach of license conditions. The lessor and lessee are held jointly and severally liable for government dues arising from such agreements. A fixed license fee of ₹6 lakh per bottling tie-up/agreement has also been specified.
[Notification No.: 7-1/2026-EXN]
