Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a person must obtain an operating permit under the IRC in order to:
Distill for industrial use;
Warehouse spirits for industrial use;
Denature spirits;
Warehouse spirits (without bottling) for nonindustrial use;
Bottle or package spirits for industrial use;
Manufacture articles; or
Engage in any other distilling, warehousing, or processing operation not required to be covered by a basic permit under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (49 Stat. 978; 27 U.S.C. 203, 204).
Exception. The requirement to obtain an operating permit does not apply to an agency of a State, or political subdivision of a State, or an officer or employee of, and acting for, such an agency.