Circular on dual-feed policy for ethanol production

Quality Standards: All feedstocks must comply with:

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications for ethanol
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms (where applicable)
• Excise Department quality control requirements

• Storage & Handling:

  • Separate storage for different feedstock types (if used simultaneously)
  • Clear labeling and segregation
  • Prevention of cross-contamination

  • Production Monitoring:

    • Real-time reporting of feedstock consumption
    • Production efficiency ratios to be maintained
    • Monthly returns showing feedstock-wise production

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    COMPLIANCE & REPORTING

    Mandatory Submissions:

    • Monthly statement of feedstock usage (type and quantity)
    • Production reports segregated by feedstock
    • Advance intimation (minimum period as prescribed) before switching feedstocks
    • Reasons for feedstock change (economic/availability justification)

    Inspections:

    • State Excise authorities empowered to conduct surprise inspections
    • Verification of feedstock stocks and production records
    • Physical stock reconciliation at any time

    Penalties for Non-Compliance:

    • Unauthorized feedstock use: License suspension/cancellation provisions apply
    • False reporting: Action under BPA penal provisions
    • Quality violations: Prosecution under relevant BPA sections

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    ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

    Approval Process:

    1. Manufacturer submits application to Commissioner stating:

       • Proposed feedstock types
       • Technical capacity to handle multiple feeds
       • Storage/handling arrangements

       • Commissioner reviews:

         • Technical feasibility
         • Compliance history of unit
         • Public interest considerations

         • Approval granted with specific conditions (if satisfied)

           Existing License Holders:

           • May apply for dual-feed permission under this circular
           • No separate new license required
           • Existing license endorsement sufficient

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           CROSS-REFERENCES

           This circular references and complements:

           • State Excise Commissioner Order No. [specific order dated 2024]
           • Joint Commissioner (Administration) Orders dated 2019, 2024
           • Molasses Ethanol Policy notifications
           • Central Government EBP guidelines (referenced but not fully detailed)

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           EFFECTIVE DATE

           Applicable From: Date of publication in Maharashtra Government Gazette (implied immediate effect unless specified otherwise in source document)

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           PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

           For Manufacturers:

           • Greater operational flexibility
           • Risk mitigation against single feedstock price volatility
           • Ability to optimize production costs
           • Continuous production despite seasonal feedstock shortages

           For Administration:

           • Enhanced monitoring and reporting requirements
           • Need for upgraded inspection protocols
           • Support for national ethanol blending targets

           For Industry:

           • Alignment with EBP targets (E10/E20 blending goals)
           • Increased ethanol production capacity utilization
           • Better supply chain management for fuel-grade ethanol

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           Note: This circular appears to be an administrative policy implementation document rather than a formal rule amendment. It establishes procedures under existing BPA provisions without amending the Act or subordinate Rules directly. The Commissioner exercises administrative powers to facilitate EBP goals while maintaining regulatory control over ethanol production.