Delhi excise IMFL testing rules require quarterly brand samples from L-1 wholesalers

The Delhi government’s excise department has told wholesale liquor licensees to submit regular samples for testing. Officials said the step aims to check the quality of liquor sold in the city. The order applies to every registered Indian Made Foreign Liquor brand approved for sale in Delhi.

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Officials said each approved IMFL brand must be tested at the government’s Excise Control Lab every three months. A recent circular was sent to all L-1 licensees, directing strict compliance. The department said the process is meant to ensure brands meet required standards during each quarterly cycle.

Delhi excise department quarterly IMFL samples rule

The circular told L-1 licensees to provide samples of each brand approved by the Excise Department for 2025-26. It set a clear deadline for the next round of testing. "It is once again reiterated that all the L-1 Licensees are hereby directed to submit the sample of each brand approved by Excise Department for 2025-26 in the Excise lab for the January-March 2026 quarter without fails,\" the circular said.

Delhi excise department bond inspectors and IMFL sample checks

Officials said bond inspectors have been asked to monitor compliance across the year. They were instructed to ensure quarterly samples reach the excise department lab on time. The lab examines each sample against specific standards. For IMFL, it conducts essential tests and a detailed analysis, based on required parameters.

Delhi excise department Excise Control Lab IMFL testing numbers

Officials added that the lab handled a large number of checks in the previous cycle. In 2024-25, the Excise Control Lab tested 2,740 liquor samples provided by the department. The department said the quarterly sampling requirement is a continuing process for quality checks in Delhi’s liquor market.

With inputs from PTI