TECH CENTRE

NEW ZEALAND

In New Zealand, it is legal to operate a still at home for personal consumption.

AUSTRALIA

In Australia it is legal to own a still under 5 litre capacity as long as it is for either either water purification or essential oil extraction. In New Zealand, Switzerland and Italy it is legal to own a still, and 25 litre stills appear the most common size. Please note that in Australia if you purchase a 3 in 1 fermenter, a Condenser and a thermometer then you have purchased the equivalent of a 25 litre still. Australian retailers are aware of this and will try to prevent you breaking the law in this manner. If you are intent on this course of action then make sure you make your purchases over two visits.

UK

CUSTOMS DECLARATION:

It is illegal to manufacture spirits in the UK without a distiller’s licence which is required under the provisions of section 12 of the Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979 and this includes manufacture for “own/domestic use”.

Public Notice 39 – “Spirits production in the UK” dated July 2006 provides further information about HM Revenue and Custom’s requirements.

If you require further assistance then please contact the National Advice Service on Telephone 0845 010 9000 or www.hmrc.gov.uk. Where you can obtain or view public notice 39.