Ethanol may be a target for counterfeiting or faking, which can cause economic and health problems.
Type of Fake or Counterfeit
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Consequence
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illegal moonshine
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loss of tax revenue, possible methanol or heavy metal poisoning
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placing the label of expensive alcohol on a bottle of cheaper alcohol of the same type
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overpayment
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placing a cheaper alcohol into a bottle of more expensive alcohol of the same type
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overpayment
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dilution of spirits
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overpayment
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blending ethanol with various ingredients and selling as a specific type of alcohol (imitation)
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overpayment
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substituting methanol or other alcohol in place of ethanol
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toxic effects of the substituted alcohol
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use of denatured alcohol
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toxic effect of denaturant
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