Which, correct me if I'm wrong, that if you're wishing to possess a still under 23 litres for using it as a chemical still (defined below), you can just register with the Excise office and be fine. That being said, you are have to follow what they consider a chemical still, meaning no distillation of drinkable spirits but water is fine...Licence fee for chemical still
134 (1) Subject to subsection (2), a person to whom a licence to import, manufacture, possess and use a chemical still is granted shall pay to the collector of the district or excise division in which the still is situated a licence fee prescribed by the regulations.
Marginal note:Exception
(2) Any person importing, manufacturing, possessing and using a chemical still, the measured content of which does not exceed twenty-three litres (23 L), or any bona fide public hospital duly certified as such by the Department of Health importing, manufacturing, possessing and using a chemical still of any capacity, may, on registering the still at the office of the collector of the district or excise division in which it is situated, be permitted to import, manufacture, possess and use the still without payment of a licence fee or the giving of a bond, but the importation, manufacture, possession or use of the still without registration shall be deemed an importing, manufacturing, possessing or using of a still contrary to this Act. (emphasis added)
I can't find any information saying that they can inspect at their choosing and whatnot. But haven't called them to discuss specifics yet. Max fines for unregistered still are fines of $5-10 000 and up to 12 months in jail.
Chemical Still (definition):
Excise Act:chemical still means any distilling apparatus that is kept and used by any person for the sole purpose of distilling water or reclaiming alcohol previously used in or for the preparation or manufacture of chemical, medicinal or pharmaceutical preparations, or that is used for scientific or industrial purposes, and not used for the manufacture or distillation of spirits, of which use in every case the Minister shall be the sole judge; (alambic de chimiste)
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts ... lText.html
In case someone wishes to call and inquire further....
Excise Act offices:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/em/edm1- ... 1-2-e.html
Anyone have any thoughts?